The NBA is officially exploring the possibility of expansion, a move that could see the league grow from its current 30 teams to 32. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently announced that the league is ready to formally consider expansion, marking a significant shift after years of avoiding the issue. This decision comes on the heels of securing a new collective bargaining agreement and a lucrative media rights deal, along with the finalized sale of the Boston Celtics.

Silver emphasized the importance of addressing these key issues before seriously considering expansion. With an 11-year television rights deal now in place, the league feels it is in a stable position to explore adding new franchises. While expansion has been a topic of discussion in the past, Silver wanted to avoid distractions and ensure the league's foundation was secure.

Two cities are emerging as frontrunners for potential expansion teams: Las Vegas and Seattle. Las Vegas has rapidly become a major sports hub, attracting franchises from the NHL, NFL, and soon, MLB with the Athletics expected to relocate there by 2028. Seattle, on the other hand, boasts a strong existing sports market with the MLB Mariners and NFL Seahawks, and recently welcomed the NHL Kraken in the 2021-22 season.

Seattle's potential bid is further strengthened by its history with the SuperSonics, who called the city home from 1967 to 2008 before relocating to Oklahoma City and becoming the Thunder. The Thunder organization does not actively acknowledge the franchise's Seattle history, opening the door for a new Seattle team to potentially reclaim the SuperSonics name and legacy. Silver has acknowledged Seattle's rich basketball history, adding further fuel to the speculation.

While Silver has made no guarantees, the NBA's serious consideration of expansion signals a significant step forward. The league's exploration process will likely involve a thorough assessment of potential markets, ownership groups, and the overall impact on the league. The addition of teams in Las Vegas and Seattle could not only tap into new fan bases but also reignite the passion for basketball in a city that has long yearned for its return.