Gary Payton II reflected on his NBA journey and family legacy in a wide-ranging interview with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, touching on his father’s Hall of Fame career and the possibility of playing for a revived Seattle franchise. The Warriors guard, who is averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds this season, shared candid insights about growing up in a basketball household.
“It’s really about the situation and who the individual is… Not every kid makes it,” Payton II said, discussing the pressure of following in his father Gary Payton’s footsteps. “To have a ‘Pops’ who is a Hall of Famer… it is not necessarily about following in his footsteps, but about creating your own path.”
Payton II recalled memories of his father’s Seattle days, noting interactions with stars like Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson and Vince Carter. “I have nothing but good memories of Seattle, from that ’96 Finals run with Mike all the way up until Dad got traded to Milwaukee for Ray Allen,” he said.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences during the 1996 Finals, Payton II remembered the energy at KeyArena. “The atmosphere… was just crazy. That’s the main thing I remember, just going up against Mike,” he said, referring to Michael Jordan.
On the prospect of Seattle landing a new NBA team, Payton II was playful but pointed. “Great. I would probably request a trade immediately! [Laughs]. Even though I love where I’m at, it’s about being able to throw on that Sonics jersey before my career is over.”
NBA expansion discussions have intensified, with ESPN reporter Shams Charania reporting that the Board of Governors will hold a vote March 24–25 to explore adding franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. The league is targeting a 2028–29 launch if the process moves forward, with expansion fees projected between $7 billion and $10 billion per team.
If approved, the NBA would increase from 30 to 32 teams, triggering expansion drafts that could redistribute players and alter competitive balance.
Seattle has long been considered a top expansion candidate due to its historic fan base and previous SuperSonics legacy, while Las Vegas has emerged as a growing sports market with NBA Summer League experience and infrastructure for professional franchises. Expansion would mark the most significant structural change in the league since the Charlotte Bobcats joined as the 30th team in 2004.
For Payton II, the potential return of the Sonics offers a personal connection and career milestone. “I really hope they end up getting that done so I can go hoop for the hometown one time,” he said, emphasizing the rare opportunity to play in the city where his basketball roots were formed.
