As the NBA votes on two expansion franchises next week, the result could begin to turn a former All-Star’s dreams into reality.
Former Laker Says He’d ‘Love to Own’ Seattle Expansion Team
AC Green on NBA’s Possible Return to Seattle
In a Mar. 3 interview with The Action Network’s Matt Moore, three-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend AC Green said he would welcome the league’s return to the Pacific Northwest—even more so under one condition:
“Especially if I owned them — yeah, that would be awesome. Absolutely. And being a Northwest guy, I’m biased. I’d love to see that happen, just for the sake of having basketball back in the Northwest outside of Portland. So yeah, I’d love to see it. I’m all for it — and yeah, I’d love to own the team as well.”
When asked whether he is in talks to one day own the Seattle expansion team, Green replied, “I’m always in those kinds of conversations, and I’m always interested.”
Green—who spent a majority of his career with the Lakers before playing for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat—is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest. Born in Portland, Ore., Green attended Oregon State before the Lakers took him 23rd overall in the 1985 draft. The NBA’s “Iron Man” averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.8 steals throughout his 16 years in the league.
Green is far from the first Laker (former or current) interested in helping an expansion team. Besides him, three other LA legends are eyeing Las Vegas as the league moves west. Shaquille O’Neal said he wants to be “heavily involved” in bringing a team there. LeBron James shared a similar sentiment to get the NBA in Sin City. Even Green’s former teammate, Magic Johnson, could join the fray, as he’s reportedly part of an ownership group looking to bid on a Vegas franchise.
Proposals and Process of NBA Expansion
As the league eyes its first expansion since 2004, ESPN’s Shams Charania outlined how the process works and what potential bids may look like:
“Industry executives project proposals in the $7-10 billion range for each team and estimate that both markets would be among the NBA’s top eight revenue generators. The market appeal of Las Vegas and Seattle, plus the parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement, will likely lead to a robust purchase market for expansion.
“This marks the first of multiple critical steps toward NBA expansion. This first vote will allow the league to focus on Las Vegas and Seattle and have a bidding process for the teams. There will then be a potential final vote later in the year to finalize the transactions to 32 teams. In both voting rounds, 23 of 30 governors must vote in favor.”
SuperSonic Revival?
Oct 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Fans hold a flag for the Seattle Supersonics during the fourth quarter of a game between the Utah Jazz and LA Clippers at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
As for how the NBA’s potential return to Seattle would play out, the Oklahoma City Thunder plan cede all SuperSonics history back to the original franchise, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. And for all of Green’s interest, he will have notable competition. The group that owns the NHL’s Seattle Kraken is preparing to bid on the NBA’s expansion team there (per ESPN). Founding owner David Bonderman holds ties to the Boston Celtics’ ownership group, which may strengthen the hometown team’s case.
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