- 2006
- 2007
- 2015
- 2016
-
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 ... -
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 ... -
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, ... -
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.
History of the Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was founded in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics and relocated to Oklahoma City before the 2008-09 NBA season. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in recent history.
In their first decade as an NBA franchise, based out of Seattle, Washington, they won three division titles and made their first Finals appearance during the 1978-79 season, where they faced off against Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers. They were led by Hall of Fame players such as Spencer Haywood and Fred Brown, who helped them make it back for another finals appearance four years later, but this time fell short against Larry Bird's Boston Celtics squad.
Since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City before beginning play during the 2008–09 season under head coach Scott Brooks with stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on board, The Thunder have been one of the top contenders throughout the Western Conference ever since making six playoff appearances including five straight from 2010 - 2015 which included 4 trips deep into playoffs reaching the conference final twice while winning 1st Division title for OKC fans during 2011–12 campaign along with MVP awards for both Westbrook & Durant respectively over course span between 2009 - 2016. Overall, Oklahoma city thunder has established itself among elite franchises within the league despite not yet capturing the elusive championship trophy due largely thanks to outstanding leadership & talented rosters put together by front office staff over the past decade.
Established
1967
City
Seattle – Oklahoma City
League History
1967 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2008 – Present / Oklahoma City Thunder
1967 – 2008 / Seattle SuperSonics
Nickname
Thunder – Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The team was initially known as the Seattle SuperSonics when founded in 1967. 2008 they moved to Oklahoma City and became known as the Thunder.
The moniker “Thunder” pays homage to Oklahoma's history with Native American tribes that have called this land home for centuries - specifically, Choctaw Nation, located near Oklahoma City, where Chesapeake Energy Arena stands today. This name also speaks to how thunderstorms are common throughout much of Oklahoma due to its location within Tornado Alley, making it an ideal fit for a professional sports team from this region!
The iconic logo features a bold blue letter ‘O’ surrounded by orange lightning bolts – representing both power and strength associated with thunderstorms but also paying tribute back again towards Choctaw Nation, who were historically referred to as "the people of red & blue." The colors used on their uniforms also draw inspiration from traditional tribal culture – featuring navy blues, bright oranges & yellows alongside white accents, all blended perfectly into one cohesive look that any true fan can appreciate!
When the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City after the 2007 – 2008 season, fans voted on potential nicknames from an original list of 64 possibilities. Thunder was chosen over Renegades, Twisters, and Barons, and the name was extremely well received. The team set sales records for the first day after revealing the nickname. Oklahoma City houses the 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds.
Championship
NBA Championships 0
1979
Arena
2012 – Present / Chesapeake Energy Arena
2010 – 2011 / Oklahoma City Arena
2008 – 2010 / Ford Center
*Seattle*
1995 – 2008 / KeyArena at Seattle Center
1985 – 1994 / Seattle Center Coliseum
1978 – 1985 / Kingdome
1967 – 1978 / Seattle Center Coliseum
Owner
2006 – Present / Professional Basketball Club, LLC
2001 – 2006 / Howard Schultz
1983 – 2001 / Barry Ackerley
1967 – 1983 / Sam Schulman
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
1 / Gus Williams
4 / Nick Collison
10 / Nate McMillian
19 / Lenny Wilkens
24 / Spencer Haywood
32 / Fred Brown
43 / Jack Sikma
– / Bob Blackburn
*Blue is this team’s history