The potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics and the Sonics Guy who never gave up hope

After 18 years without an NBA team, Seattle-area basketball fans see hope on the horizon. It's a hope for a return of the SuperSonics that one fan never lost.

The National Basketball Association Board of Governors voted Wednesday to explore expanding the league with two new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle. It means that if new owners step up, and the NBA can work out a few other details, then Seattle can once again be home to the SuperSonics.

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The Sonics left town in 2008 after being moved to Oklahoma City. But Tacoma's Kris Brannon never stopped showing his Sonics pride and keeping the team's spirit shining throughout the region. He became known as the "Sonics Guy."

Brannon passed away five years ago at 47.

"He was kind of a larger-than-life person," said Zaraya Skea, Brannon's younger sister. "He lit up every room whenever he came into it and he just loved making people happy, he loved spreading happiness."

Sonics Guy was the ultimate fan. Despite the absence of the SuperSonics, he continued to dress head-to-toe in Sonics gear as he frequented farmers markets, city hall meetings, sports events, and more. He always brought a big Sonics sign with him. And Brannon never gave up the cause of bringing the SuperSonics back to Seattle.

"I think he would be celebrating with other fans and friends," Skea said. "He would be very happy, but I think he would also be cautious."

That's because past efforts to bring the team back to town were never successful and hopes were crushed. Seattle fans have often lurched from despair to hope and back. Not for the Sonics Guy, however, who kept shooting for a future win.

KUOW's Kim Malcolm also spoke with Seattle Now producer Vaughan Jones for an update on the potential return of the SuperSonics. Listen to the full segment by clicking the audio above.