Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, holding a basketball, playfully stirred the emotions of NBA fans still mourning the departure of the Seattle SuperSonics. During his State of the City address at Benaroya Hall on Tuesday, Harrell hinted at the possibility of the SuperSonics’ return, a dream cherished by basketball enthusiasts since the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. However, the excitement was short-lived as he quickly revealed it was all in jest.
“Right now, at this moment, I have an announcement to make,” Harrell said, pulling a basketball from beneath his podium. The crowd erupted in cheers, but their enthusiasm turned to disappointment when he clarified, “I’m just kidding.” He added with a chuckle, “This is a long speech. I had to break it up a little bit here.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned in September that discussions about expansion games would take place during the season, but the topic was not addressed during the NBA All-Star weekend. Seattle and Las Vegas, both cities with thriving WNBA teams, have been suggested as potential locations for a new franchise.
Silver noted in June that there had been conversations about returning to Seattle. “Las Vegas, no doubt, is very interested in a team. Mexico City one day,” he stated. For now, fans of the SuperSonics will have to hold onto their hopes for a revival.
