[vincesanity82]

Count Gary Payton among the supporters for keeping the Sonics in Seattle -- even if it's for slightly selfish reasons. From Percy Allen of the Seattle Times (via TrueHoop):

"I sure don't want to get my jersey retired in Oklahoma City," he said. "I don't think that would work for me. That ain't where I played. Oklahoma City fans didn't get to really, really see me. They saw me on TV, but that was it.

"My fans are here in Seattle. It would be nice for me to come back and raise my jersey in Seattle here and let everybody appreciate it and my family can appreciate it."

Payton may still get to see his No. 20 raised to the KeyArena rafters -- the legal battle between the Sonics and the city of Seattle won't be resolved until some point this summer, meaning (for better or worse) the city will get at least one more season with the team.

Payton Doesn't Want Jersey Retired in OKC - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[Lefty Noob]

That's not really selfish reasons. He's recognizing the Seattle fans, showing them love for being the ones who cheered him on during his career.

[theduck]

gary payton's a true seattle man at heart. if i was him, i wouldnt want my jersey retired in oklahoma city either. gp is a huge sports figure in seattle and if he wants his jersey retired there then he should get it. the sonics shouldnt move from seattle!

[Seahawker 562]

I agree with Payton, why have your jersey retired in a city where you've never played before. Not selfish at all, he's giving to the seattle fans