Kevin Durant, the NBA megastar and forward for the Phoenix Suns, has made no secret of his strong connection to the Seattle SuperSonics, the team that selected him as the 2nd pick back in 2007. Speaking to Rich Kleiman for Boardroom's Cover Story, Durant opened up about his desire to play a role in the potential revival of the iconic team. "Without a doubt [I'd want to be a part of the SuperSonics]," Durant told Boardroom, highlighting the important legacy and impact of the franchise.
Despite relocating to Oklahoma City after his rookie season, Durant's sentiments about Seattle's basketball scene remain fervent. "I feel like that franchise, for one, is an iconic brand within the NBA. I feel like that market is a basketball market that needs the influence of an NBA team in that city,” he emphasized in a conversation documented by WNCT. Durant's passion for the SuperSonics and the Seattle community signals a trip down memory lane and a forward-looking vision for his connection to basketball post-retirement.
As the Suns’ star forward looks toward the future, it’s clear that he's setting his sights beyond the court. His aspiration to guide a reestablished Sonics team into the league mirrors his evolution from player to potential executive. Durant shared with Boardroom that his desire to bring the team back exemplifies more than nostalgia – it's about adding value based on his vast NBA experience.
April 18, 2008, marked the end of an era with the Seattle SuperSonics' approval for relocation by the NBA, but Durant, who was part of the stirring upheavals of the time, foresees a return for the team. "It will be part of the expansion of the league. To help run the team, help guide the team, as they come back into the league, I would absolutely love that. When I retire, that's a dream come true. That's probably one of the only things that I would really lock in like I was playing again," Durant predicted during his talk with ClutchPoints. The star’s willingness to commit to such a revitalization effort underscores the deep roots and pride he has for the defunct franchise.
The potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics remains speculative, with no formal NBA expansion announcements made thus far. However, Durant’s comments serve as a beacon of hope for die-hard fans dreaming of the Sonics' resurgence.
