The 2007–08 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 41st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the final season the team played in Seattle before relocating to Oklahoma City, where it was re‑branded as the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Team performance
- Regular‑season record: 20 wins – 62 losses.
- Division standing: 5th (last) in the Northwest Division.
- Conference standing: 15th in the Western Conference; did not qualify for the playoffs.
Coaching staff
- Nate McMillan began the season as head coach. After an 0–13 start, he was dismissed from the position.
- The team completed the season under an interim coaching arrangement led by members of the existing coaching staff. (Specific interim head‑coach name not provided in the source material.)
Key players and statistics
| Player | Position | Notable statistics (2007‑08) |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Small forward | 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game; NBA Rookie of the Year candidate; named to NBA All‑Rookie First Team |
| Ray Allen | Shooting guard | 21.0 points per game (season split; traded mid‑season) |
| Nick Collison | Power forward/center | 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds per game |
| Mickaël Piétrus | Small forward | 10.4 points per game |
| Jeff Green | Small forward (acquired via trade) | 10.5 points per game (post‑trade) |
Major transactions
- Draft: Selected Kevin Durant with the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
- Mid‑season trade (February 2008): Ray Allen, Gerald Wallace, and a 2008 first‑round pick were traded to the Boston Celtics for Jeff Green, Delonte West, a 2008 first‑round pick, and a 2009 second‑round pick.
- Free‑agency moves: The roster featured several veteran signings and waivers typical of a rebuilding franchise, including the addition of veteran swingman Kendall Gill (later waived) and the release of forward Rashard Lewis prior to the season.
Season context and aftermath
- The season marked the culmination of a period of ownership transition; the franchise was purchased by Clay Bennett and the ownership group in 2006.
- Following the conclusion of the season, the franchise officially relocated to Oklahoma City. The roster that began the 2007–08 season largely formed the core of the inaugural Oklahoma City Thunder team, most notably Kevin Durant, Nick Collison, and Jeff Green.
Awards and honors
- Kevin Durant – NBA All‑Rookie First Team (2008).
- Jeff Green – NBA All‑Rookie Second Team (2008).
Statistical summary
- Points per game (team average): 95.4
- Points allowed per game (team average): 103.7
- Offensive rating: 101.4 (30th in the league)
- Defensive rating: 108.7 (29th in the league)
Legacy
The 2007–08 season is primarily remembered for being the final NBA campaign in Seattle and for the rookie performance of Kevin Durant, who would become one of the league’s premier scoring talents in subsequent years. The relocation to Oklahoma City marked a significant shift in NBA geography and franchise history.
