Some stories in sports hit you right in the heart, and this is one of them. Gary Payton II, currently playing for the Golden State Warriors, has made it clear that if Seattle gets an expansion team, he wants to wear the SuperSonics jersey before he hangs it up. And folks, I'm not crying - you're crying.
"I would probably request a trade immediately!" Payton said in a recent interview with The Sporting News. "I love where I'm at, it's about being able to wear that Sonics jersey before my career is over. I hope they end up getting that done so I can go hoop for the hometown."
Let's talk about what this means. Gary Payton II is the son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, "The Glove," who spent 13 seasons terrorizing opposing guards as the face of the SuperSonics. His father brought a championship to Seattle in spirit if not in hardware, leading them to the 1996 NBA Finals and establishing himself as one of the greatest defensive players in history.
The SuperSonics left Seattle in 2008, relocating to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder. It was one of the most heartbreaking franchise moves in sports history, robbing a passionate fan base of their team, their identity, and their basketball legacy. Seattle has been fighting to get a team back ever since.
NBA expansion is coming - the league has made that clear. Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners, with having the arena, the market, and the hunger. When - not if - the return, it will be one of the most emotional moments in basketball.
