News / Sports
Kevin Durant Could be Playing In Oklahoma City
Kevin Durant may be moving a little closer to his buddies in Texas if the ownership group that purchased the Seattle SuperSonics have their way. According to minority owner Aubrey McClendon “we didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle,” but rather the plan was to move the franchise to Oklahoma City.
Majority owner Clay Bennett has given the city of Seattle a list of requirements that need to be met in order to keep their franchise in the Pacific Northwest and if they are not met he would be apt to relocate. Among the requirements on the list is a new arena. That idea has found little support amongst legislators in the city who have not been willing to pass a tax that would fund a new arena.
Bennett has laid down an Oct. 31 deadline for an agreement on a new arena must be met and if it is not he will begin the process of moving the franchise.
Oklahoma City is likely to become the new home for the Sonics after hosting the New Orleans Hornets after Hurricane Katrina ravaged their home court. According to McClendon the move to Oklahoma City would be a natural fit saying, “I think for Oklahoma City to distance itself from other midsize cities, I think enthusiastic support of a well-run, successful NBA team says a lot about the spirit of this community. We've got a can-do spirit, and we've got a fan base that's turned out. This is a sports town; nobody ever knew it was a pro sports town. I think it is.”
McClendon went on to say “We know it's a little more difficult financially here in Oklahoma City, but we think it's great for the community and if we could break even, we'd be thrilled.”
Seattle Mayor Greg Nichols has said that if the Sonics would be willing to put $100 million into the building of a new arena then the city may be able to match the amount but that idea is not popular with the new ownership group.
