The fans cheered loudly with each announcement.

"I just feel like they really represent us as Oklahomans, and put us — the whole state and the whole city — on their backs," said Chris Willert, a 15-year-old fan from the nearby town of Norman.

Oklahoma City first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets temporarily relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City's fans fell in love with the team and a young point guard named Chris Paul, who would be named rookie of the year.

The Seattle SuperSonics rebranded and relocated to Oklahoma City in time for the 2008-09 season, and fans feverishly supported the new team, despite its early struggles. The Thunder became a contender, with young stars Durant, Westbrook and James Harden.

Even with all that talent, the team couldn't break through. OKC lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012, and Harden left for Houston. A possible run in 2013 was derailed when Westbrook was injured during the playoffs. The 2015-16 team led the Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the Western Conference finals, before eventually losing the series in seven games.