The year 2021 could come into play when it comes to the NBA returning to Seattle. Why? Well, the 2021-2022 NBA season will be the 75th anniversary for the NBA. Now the way I see it, the NBA should want to celebrate the event with the Seattle SuperSonics back into the fold. Put that blemish into the past . Makes sense to me, but then again I'm a hopeful Sonics fan, hoping that the NBA wants the Sonics back as much as I do. The 2017-2018 NBA season may be a strike season unless the players and owners come to an agreement beforehand. If it gets messy then the season may be shortened or canceled. Things should be resolved by the start of the 2018-2019 season though, I would think. So, the NBA could start talking about adding a team or two in 2019. Once a team is granted it usually takes about two years to see that team start it's first game. (time to get that arena built) 2019 plus 2 is 2021. Just in time for that big party !