One Golden State Warriors player has admitted he would request a trade immediately if the Seattle SuperSonics return to the NBA.
The comment comes at a time when the league is actively moving toward expansion, bringing Seattle closer than ever to regaining a franchise.
It also shows how much the idea of a Sonics return still resonates with players who have ties to the city.
Gary Payton II would request a trade for the Sonics return
Payton II told Scoop B in an interview just how strongly he feels about the possibility of Seattle getting a team again.
“Great. I would probably request a trade immediately! [Laughs]. Even though I love where I’m at, it’s about being able to throw on that Sonics jersey before my career is over,” Payton II said.
He added: “I really hope they end up getting that done so I can go hoop for the hometown one time.”
Gary Payton II’s stance is rooted in family legacy, with his father’s history in Seattle shaping that connection.
Even while acknowledging his current situation, the idea of playing for the Sonics clearly carries unique weight.
Seattle SuperSonics return closer with NBA expansion plans
The timing of his comments matters because the NBA is now actively progressing toward expansion, with a formal vote scheduled in March 2026 to explore adding new teams.
Seattle is widely viewed as a leading candidate, alongside Las Vegas, with both markets targeted for a potential return by the 2028–29 season if approved.
The SuperSonics have been absent since 2008, but momentum has built significantly, with league officials and stakeholders increasingly aligned on bringing the franchise back.
Expansion to 32 teams would not only restore a historic market but also reshape the league’s structure and commercial reach.
If that process is completed, comments like Payton II’s suggest the appeal of Seattle will extend beyond nostalgia and into real player movement.
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