A couple of interesting topics for Sonics fans. As most of you already have heard, Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett announced on Thursday plans to put a proposal before his city voters a 1 cent temporary sales take to pay for a $100 million upgrade to the city’s Ford Center arena in preparation for the NBA to move there.

You can read my story about Cornett’s announcement here, and the story from The Oklahoman here. Cornett said he believes the remodel could serve as the long-term solution for a NBA franchise locating there.

I think it's interesting that the Sonics ownership group would be willing to do a remodel at the Ford Center and not KeyArena. I've never seen the Ford Center in person, but I would assume it's in better shape than KeyArena because it's only five years old. Still, I would think a remodeled Ford Center would need to e replace in 10 years. It will be interesting to see how supportive people there will be in voting for the tax, although it hasn't been a problem getting tax initiatives through for Oklahoma City in the past.

And in other news, ex-Sonic Gary Payton told the Boston Globe that the Celtics could use a veteran point guard in their pursuit of a NBA title, and he’s the guy. Payton had been contemplating retirement, but obviously would like to return this season in the right situation. With scoring options like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, returning to the Celtics and chasing another ring appears very appealing to Payton.