Rumors have swirled that the NBA is expected to add two new teams to the league in 2024. Once the media rights are up, the league will propose a $2.5 billion expansion fee, giving a new team the chance to build a strong foundation.
Obviously, one of those teams should be in Seattle. Emerald City residents have clamored for a team after the Supersonics were taken by Clay Bennett and moved to Oklahoma City. Hell, trade the Mariners for the Sonics and contract the M's. Seattle having basketball back should be a given. Now, the next location is a little tricky. Who gets the second team? Louisville and their delicious chicken? Pittsburgh and its black-and-yellow grit and determination? Vancouver and its mountains and pine trees? St. Louis and... Nelly?
Actually, it should be Las Vegas and its growing entertainment empire. Vegas has a myriad of arenas to choose from, ranging from T-Mobile Arena to the Aces' current home, Michelob Ultra Arena. You could even say that the Thomas and Mack Center would make a good home. The choices are endless. You also have a wide array of corporate sponsors to choose from. Bet MGM, Allegiant, and UMC would all make solid sponsors of the new Vegas team. Given that Sin City is also passionate about hockey and football, playing basketball in Nevada is a no-brainer. Oh, did I mention that UNLV basketball was a monster in college sports at one point?
What would happen if we had two teams out west? Well, re-alignment would be a little tricky. But let's say the New Orleans Pelicans relocate to... Kansas City. Here's how I think it would go down:
Western Conference
Northwest:
Seattle Supersonics
Portland Trail Blazers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kansas City Mahomes's
California:
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Clippers
Golden State Warriors
Sacramento Kings
Mountain
Las Vegas Blackjacks
Phoenix Suns
Denver Nuggets
Utah Jazz
Southwest
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder
Eastern Conference
Southeast
Atlanta Hawks
Miami Heat
Charlotte Hornets
Orlando Magic
Atlantic
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers
Central
Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Chicago Bulls
Mid-Atlantic
Toronto Raptors
Cleveland Cavaliers
Washington Wizards
Detroit Pistons
Of course, this ALL hinges on what happens to New Orleans in the next few years. If the Smoothie King Center lease is renewed, the picture gets a LOT more complicated. But that's a story for another day. In the meantime, Seattle and Las Vegas deserve to have NBA teams in their cities... and soon!
