Gary Payton II wants to be involved if Seattle gets NBA expansion team

If the NBA ever brings a team back to Seattle, Gary Payton II says he would love to be part of it.

The Golden State Warriors guard even joked to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell that he would consider requesting a trade if Seattle lands an expansion franchise.

“Respectfully,” Payton said. “I love it here so much. But if we do have a Seattle team while I’m still playing, I definitely want to go back and play there.”

The connection runs deep. Payton’s father, Gary Payton, starred for the Seattle SuperSonics during the franchise’s heyday.

For the younger Payton, the idea of wearing a Sonics jersey would mean more than just basketball.

“It would be a dream come true,” he said. “Even if I don’t play for them, it would be great for the city of Seattle and great for the NBA.”