(2002-2003)

Gary Payton was traded to the Bucks at the trading deadline, February 20, 2003 along with Desmond Mason for Ray allen, ending Payton's career in Seattle after 12 1/2 seasons and reunited him with coach George Karl. Payton left Seattle as the Sonics all-time leader in games played, points, minutes, steals, assists, field goals made, field goals attempted, three-point field goals made and three-point field goals attempted. Payton's contract expired at the end of the season, and the Sonics risked losing the nine-time All-Star guard over the summer to the free agent market with nothing in return.

To be a part of Gary Payton leaving the city of Seattle is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to encounter," Sonics coach Nate McMillan told a news conference. "It's hard for me to show the excitement because I'm losing not only the players but also a very close friend," said McMillan, who played eight seasons with Payton before retiring in 1998.

Milwaukee Bucks Career Achievements