It's a shame that, at this moment, the Seattle SuperSonics only truly exist in the minds and hearts of basketball fans. One of the most popular NBA franchises of all-time, the SuperSonics were established in 1967 as an expansion franchise and played their home games at the Seattle Center Coliseum, later renamed the KeyArena.

Throughout their history, the Sonics had several successful seasons, winning their first and only NBA championship in 1979 while led by stars like Dennis Johnson, Gus Williams, and Jack Sikma. The team also appeared in the NBA Finals in 1978 (against the Washington Bullets) and 1996 (against the Chicago Bulls).

Their on-court success and a passionate fan base aside, former team owner Clay Bennett expressed a desire to have a new, state-of-the-art arena to replace their aging arena. However, after failing to secure a new arena deal in Seattle, Bennett moved the franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008 where they would become the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The relocation decision was met with widespread disappointment and anger from Seattle basketball fans, who felt the move was unjustified. Fortunately, as the city of Seattle has retained the rights to the “SuperSonics” name and team colors, it's possible for a future NBA team to adopt the same name should the league decide to return to Seattle.

SuperSonics' 10 greatest players of all time

1) Gary Payton

Gary Payton, commonly known as “The Glove,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

Selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, made a name for himself as one of the best defensive players in the league early on, leading the Sonics in steals per game (2.0) and total steals (165) in his rookie season. Leading the entire league in steals outright in 1995-96 on his way to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, Payton's defensive prowess would earn him nine All-Defensive Team selections throughout his career.

Though known primarily for his defense, Payton was also a highly skilled offensive player who excelled as a facilitator, scorer, and clutch shot-maker. Played for Seattle for the first 13-plus seasons of his career, Payton left the SuperSonics as the all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and games played.

Payton's infamous intensity — namely his fiery personality and love for trash-talk — not only made him a fan favorite during his playing days but after. In 2013, Gary Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in basketball history.

2) Shawn Kemp

The high-flying Shawn Kemp was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics as the 17th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. After a disquieting but brief collegiate career, Kemp quickly quelled any concerns about his potential impact by proving himself to be one of the most electrifying young players in the NBA. It didn't hurt with teammate Gary Payton, drafted just a year after him, the Sonics would form a truly formidable duo.

During his time with the SuperSonics, Kemp earned five NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA selections. He was a vital part of the Sonics team that reached the NBA Finals in the 1995-1996 season, averaging 20.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in the 1996 NBA Playoffs. Seattle faced the Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in that infamous matchup, losing the series in six games while Kemp averaged team-highs of 23.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

Kemp is remembered as one of the most dynamic and entertaining players of his era, particularly with his dominance in the paint. In fact, his ability to finish above the rim was beloved, he was a four-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest participant in his first five seasons.

Kemp ranks second in franchise history in career rebounds and blocks, while ranking in the top-10 in Sonics history in career points.