In a clear sign that the current Seattle SuperSonics ownership has always intended to relocate the team to Oklahoma City, emails from minority ownership to co-owner Clay Bennett show that as early as April 2007, and possibly earlier, plans were being put in place to move the team, despite public communications to the contrary. As reported by the Seattle Times:

On April 17 last year, team co-owners Clay Bennett, Aubrey McClendon and Tom Ward talked about whisking the Sonics away to Oklahoma as soon as possible even though it would mean breaching the KeyArena lease, according to the city's motion filed in U.S. District Court in New York City.

"Is there any way to move here [Oklahoma City] for next season or are we doomed to have another lame duck season in Seattle?" Ward wrote.

Bennett replied: "I am a man possessed! Will do everything we can. Thanks for hanging with me boys, the game is getting started!"

Ward: "That's the spirit!! I am willing to help any way I can to watch ball here [in Oklahoma City] next year."

McClendon: "Me too, thanks Clay!"

The emails were filed in a motion by the city of Seattle yesterday in a New York federal court in an effort to subpoena the NBA for other documents and financial records pertaining to the Sonics. According to the report, the city’s filing argues that Clay Bennett and the Sonics ownership lied to Commissioner Stern about the groups intentions Shortly after Aubrey McClendon was quoted in The (Oklahoma City) Journal Record as saying, “"We didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle, we hoped to come [Oklahoma City]”, and the Sonics were fined $250,000 by David Stern, Bennett wrote in an email, "I would never breach your trust. As absolutely remarkable as it may seem, Aubrey and I have NEVER discussed moving the Sonics to Oklahoma City, nor have I discussed it with ANY other member of our ownership group." That email would have been sent in late August or early September of 2007.

Other emails mentioned in the filing, have one being sent to Bennett and Ward from McClendon just after the group purchased the Sonics, had a subject line, “"the OKLAHOMA CITY SONIC BOOM (or maybe SONIC BOOMERS!) baby!!!!!!!!!!". Other emails show that just after the purchase, the group was already reaching out to Oklahoma City business leaders regarding relocation.

Neither the NBA, nor the Sonics would comment on the filing.

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