Seattle Supersonics Legend Gary Payton On Potentially Adding Mariners’ Ken Griffey Jr To Sonics Ownership Group [Watch]
Gary Payton shares insights on the potential inclusion of Ken Griffey Jr. in the Sonics ownership group, highlighting the significance for Seattle sports fans.
Courtesy of The Big 3
In a surprising turn of events, former Seattle Supersonics legend Gary Payton expressed his interest in potentially adding another Seattle sports icon, Ken Griffey Jr., to the ownership group of the beloved basketball franchise.
“That’s my brother; that’s my family! Whatever he wants to do, it is what it is; know what I’m saying. Whatever, we welcome him with warm hands because you have to understand all of us are big icons in Seattle. They would want to see us more; we are part of that situation. Being a part of the Sonics when they comeback would be a no-brainer, and I’m going to be part of that,” said Payton while promoting the Miami Bandwagon event in partnership with STARRY.
“If it’s something that Ken wants to be part of, yes we gotta have him in there, even with Detlef Schrempf, and Shawn Kemp. We gotta have people come back because we want that fan base to come up and be big. We already got a great fanbase in Seattle, and we want to keep it that way. When it comes back, it will blow the world away because we have that green and gold back, and all the accolades go back into that beautiful arena that Kraken and the Storm play in. So, we want to keep that going, and yes if Ken Griffey Jr wants to be a part of that I hope we find a way to do that in any po
Seattle Sonics Legend Gary Payton Recently Shared His Thoughts On Ken Griffey Jr Potentially Joining Sonics Ownership Group:
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) June 7, 2023
– https://t.co/NjVB6oURB7
“That’s my brother; that’s my family! Whatever he wants to do, it is what it is,” said @GaryPayton.
“If it’s something that… pic.twitter.com/h80RrsrfQ6
ssible way.”
Payton, known as “The Glove” for his tenacious defense, has long been an advocate for bringing back the Supersonics to Seattle. And now, with the opportunity to have Griffey join the ownership ranks, Payton envisions a powerful collaboration that would unite two of the city’s most revered sports figures.
Griffey, a legendary outfielder who spent most of his career with the Seattle Mariners, is no stranger to the adoration of Seattle sports fans. With his infectious smile, prodigious home runs, and graceful play in the outfield, Griffey captivated the hearts of Mariners supporters during his time on the field. Now retired from baseball, he has continued to be an influential figure in the Seattle community, supporting various charitable endeavors and representing the city with grace and humility.
The prospect of Griffey’s involvement in the Supersonics ownership group is exciting for Seattle sports enthusiasts. Not only would it bring together two icons from different sporting realms, but it could also enhance the overall strength and visibility of Seattle’s sports landscape. Payton and Griffey, two legends with a shared love for their city, could contribute to revitalizing the Supersonics and further solidifying Seattle as a sports powerhouse. As fans eagerly await further developments, the possibility of seeing Griffey’s name associated with the Supersonics ownership group has ignited a renewed sense of hope and anticipation in the Emerald City.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
