Oklahoma City Thunder Team History
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Relocation to Oklahoma City
In 2006, the SuperSonics were sold for $350 million to a group of Oklahoma City investors led by Clay Bennett, a move approved by NBA owners the following October. In 2007, Bennett announced that the franchise would move to Oklahoma City as soon as the lease with Key Arena expired.
In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle and Bennett regarding Bennett’s attempts to break the final two years of the Sonics’ lease at KeyArena went to federal court, and nearly a month later the two sides reached an agreement to settle. The terms awarded the city $45 million to get out of the remaining lease at KeyArena, and could provide an additional $30 million payment to Seattle in 2013 if certain conditions are met. The owners agreed to leave the SuperSonics name, logo and colors in Seattle for a possible future NBA franchise; however, the items would remain the property of the Oklahoma City team along with other “assets,” including championship banners and trophies. On September 3, 2008, the team name, logo, and colors for the Oklahoma City franchise were revealed to the public. The name “Thunder” was chosen due to Oklahoma being a frequent victim of powerful storms for its location in the Tornado Alley, and Oklahoma City housing the 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds.
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Drafting of Kevin Durant
On May 22, 2007, the SuperSonics were awarded the 2nd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, equaling the highest draft position the team has ever held. They selected Kevin Durant out of Texas. On June 28, 2007, the SuperSonics traded Ray Allen and the 35th pick of the 2nd round (Glen Davis) in the 2007 NBA Draft to the Boston Celtics for rights to the 5th pick Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West.
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Kevin Durrant Leaves for the Warriors
After the 2015 season Kevin Durant left the team in free agency for the Warriors. The move was not well received by the public or NBA analysts, with many comparing the move to LeBron James’ 2010 off-season departure from Cleveland to join the Miami Heat. On July 7, he was officially introduced by the Warriors organization[40] and signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract, with a player option after the first year.
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Russell Westbook era Begins
On August 4, 2016, Westbrook agreed to a 3-year extension to remain with the Thunder. With an average of 31 points, 11.3 assists, and 10.8 rebounds Westbrook is the first player since Oscar Robertson to still be averaging a triple double on the season in the month of December.