The agreed-upon sale of the Boston Celtics removes one obstacle before the NBA can explore expansion — and a potential Sonics return. Here’s where things stand.

What seemed like an inevitability has become a complicated question, but with Thursday's news that the Boston Celtics are selling at a $6.1 billion valuation, NBA expansion is one step closer. Here is what you need to know about a potential Sonics return: What has happened: The NBA cleared two major hurdles for expansion with a new collective bargaining agreement in 2023 and a new TV deal in July.

The reported sale of the Boston Celtics for over $6 billion on Thursday removes the biggest remaining hurdle for NBA expansion talks as Seattle continues to wait for the return of the Supersonics.