Despite being often associated with basketball greatness, Kevin Durant is exploring a different legacy: bringing the Seattle Supersonics back to the NBA. NBA legends Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford gave their opinions on Durant’s interest in owning the beloved franchise after his playing career.

Gary Payton on Durant’s Respect for Seattle and the Sonics’ Legacy

Gary Payton, known as ‘The Glove’ and an icon of the Seattle Supersonics, admired Durant’s desire to revive the franchise. Payton reflected on Durant’s connection to the city, given that the Sonics picked him in 2007, the team’s final season before moving to Oklahoma City and rebranding as the Thunder.

“Well, that’s good for Kevin to even say that,” Payton remarked. “The team drafted him, and he respects the city and the team so much. Our team should never have left. I’m a big part of that history, and it would be great for him to come and be a part of bringing the team back.”

Payton continued to emphasize how Durant’s involvement would be welcomed with “open hands” by the Seattle community. “It’s always a pleasure to see a player of his caliber, someone who was part of our team’s history, want to bring it back. If he wants to move here and help do this, it’ll be good for everybody.”

Kevin Durant: “Hell Yeah” to Sonics Ownership

Durant strongly desires to join a group that brings the Sonics back to Seattle. Durant told Landon Buford.com, “Hell yeah, I would love to [help bring the Sonics back]. But it’s way easier to say, ‘Yeah, I want to be a part of it,’ than to know how to do it.”

Durant’s comments highlight the logistical and financial challenges of owning and reflect his passion for the city, which gave him his NBA start. Despite only playing in Seattle for one season before the team’s relocation, Durant’s time there was memorable.

Jamal Crawford: The City Would Be “Ecstatic”

Jamal Crawford, born and raised in Seattle and has won three NBA Sixth Man of the Year awards, also expressed his thoughts on Durant’s potential involvement with a revived Sonics franchise. Crawford depicted the city’s reaction if Durant brought the team back and suited up for a final season before transitioning into an ownership role.

“They would be ecstatic. It would be unbelievable,” Crawford said. “Not only was he part of the team that left us, but he was also the bridge to keep us here. You get a player of his magnitude in your hometown, who goes on to be one of the best players in the world, and then he comes back and says, ‘I’m going to play another year here and then move into ownership.’ That’s a dream scenario.”

Crawford praised Durant for his basketball skills and leadership abilities, suggesting he would excel as an owner.

“Kevin is a very, very bright, brilliant guy. His basketball intelligence, his ability to put teams together, and his experience navigating the league would make him phenomenal. He knows what works, what doesn’t, and what players need to succeed. He would do an unbelievable job.”

Seattle’s Love for the Sonics and the Potential Impact of Their Return

For over 40 years, the Seattle Supersonics have been a pillar of the NBA, creating legends like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Ray Allen. Seattle sports fans were left with a gap in their hearts after the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, and they have been waiting for the team’s return ever since.

The possibility for Durant to play a role in reviving the franchise adds an extra layer of excitement and hope for fans. If Durant leads an effort to bring the Sonics back, it would honor the team’s past and set the stage for an exciting future. Crawford pointed out that Durant’s playing experience and understanding of the league’s dynamics make him the perfect candidate to shape the future of Seattle basketball.

The Road Ahead

Durant’s interest in owning the Sonics is still in its infancy. The enthusiasm of Seattle legends like Gary Payton and Jamal Crawford highlights how much his involvement would mean to the city and the NBA. The Supersonics’ revival is not only about basketball; it’s also about restoring a piece of the city’s identity and creating a new legacy for future generations of fans. Seattle basketball fans can remain hopeful as discussions about NBA expansion and team relocation surface.

If Kevin Durant takes the lead in bringing back the Sonics, the city will undoubtedly regard him as a hero and a visionary leader. Seattle is getting closer to hearing the Supersonics fans roar again, this time with Kevin Durant at the helm.