Seattle basketball enthusiasts experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during Mayor Bruce Harrell's State of the City address. While speaking at Benaroya Hall, Harrell playfully hinted at the return of the SuperSonics, a much-missed team since their departure to Oklahoma City in 2008. The tease, complete with a basketball prop, initially ignited excitement among attendees, but the mayor quickly revealed it was a joke, leaving some feeling deflated.

Image: Seattle Sonics fans at a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

Harrell acknowledged the letdown, explaining he wanted to lighten the mood of his lengthy speech. While the mayor's playful jab might have stung, the possibility of the Sonics' revival isn't entirely out of the picture.

Image: Mayor Bruce Harrell at an NBA game in Seattle in 2024. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that league expansion is a topic of discussion, although it wasn't addressed during the recent All-Star weekend. Seattle, along with Las Vegas (both cities with thriving WNBA teams), are considered potential locations for a new franchise. Silver has previously acknowledged the interest from both cities, along with potential interest from Mexico City.

Image: Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike in action during a WNBA game in 2024. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

For now, Seattle basketball fans remain hopeful for the eventual return of their beloved Sonics.