[Booth] Some league observers have said a new franchise could be ready to go within 18 months, but two years would be preferred. That would mean a franchise being awarded sometime between September 2025 and February 2026.
Despite the lack of notable talk, the idea of expansion is a whisper that is being heard.
“I’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. I’ve heard Seattle, too,” Damian Lillard said.
So too has former SuperSonic and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood. Following the announcement of this year’s Hall of Fame finalists on Friday, the mention of expansion couldn’t fully be asked before Haywood interjected.
“Two years,” he said.
If Haywood is correct and if the league intends to have at least one new team starting in 2027, it must begin the process soon.