Timeline of the National Basketball Association

The following is a timeline of the expansion and evolution of franchises in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league was formed as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946 and took its current name in 1949. The histories of NBA franchises that were also members of the American Basketball League (ABL), National Basketball League (NBL), National Pro Basketball League (NPBL), and American Basketball Association (ABA) are also included.

NBA timeline

History of organizational changes

The following is a history of the organizational changes in the NBA, including contractions, expansions, relocations, and divisional realignment since the founding of the BAA in 1946.

BAA years (1946–1949)

1946: Founding of the BAA

The Basketball Association of America is formed with 11 teams, and divided into East and West divisions. Four of these teams fold after the season.

Team folded after this season †
1946–47 BAA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Chicago Stags
New York Knicks Cleveland Rebels
Philadelphia Warriors Detroit Falcons
Providence Steamrollers Pittsburgh Ironmen
Toronto Huskies St. Louis Bombers
Washington Capitols  

1947

The BAA plays with eight teams, with the Baltimore Bullets joining the league from the ABL.

First season in BAA *
1947–48 BAA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Baltimore Bullets*
New York Knicks Chicago Stags
Philadelphia Warriors St. Louis Bombers
Providence Steamrollers Washington Capitols

1948

Four teams from the NBL, the Fort Wayne Pistons, Indianapolis Jets, Minneapolis Lakers and the Rochester Royals, join the BAA. Both the Jets and the Providence Steamrollers fold after the season.

First season in BAA * Only season in the league § Folded after this season †
1948–49 BAA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Chicago Stags
Boston Celtics Fort Wayne Pistons*
New York Knicks Indianapolis Jets§
Philadelphia Warriors Minneapolis Lakers*
Providence Steamrollers Rochester Royals*
Washington Capitols St. Louis Bombers

BAA–NBL merger (1949–1966)

1949: BAA–NBL merger

The ten surviving BAA teams merge with the six remaining teams from the NBL to form the NBA. The Indianapolis Olympians also join the merged league as an expansion team. The merged NBA realigns into three divisions.

Team merged from NBL ^ Expansion team * Folded after this season †
Team merged from the NBL, but then jump to the NPBL after this season §
Team merged from the NBL, but then fold after this season ^†
1949–50 NBA teams
East Central West
Baltimore Bullets Chicago Stags Anderson Packers§
Boston Celtics Fort Wayne Pistons Denver Nuggets^†
New York Knicks Minneapolis Lakers Indianapolis Olympians*
Philadelphia Warriors Rochester Royals Sheboygan Red Skins§
Syracuse Nationals^ St. Louis Bombers Tri-Cities Blackhawks^
Washington Capitols   Waterloo Hawks§

1950 contraction

The NBA contracts to 11 teams, and realigns back to East and West divisions, after three clubs fold and three other teams jump to the NPBL. The Washington Capitols then also fold midway through the season.

Folded midway through this season †
1950–51 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Fort Wayne Pistons
Boston Celtics Indianapolis Olympians
New York Knicks Minneapolis Lakers
Philadelphia Warriors Rochester Royals
Syracuse Nationals Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Washington Capitols  

1951: Hawks relocation to Milwaukee

The Tri-Cities Blackhawks move to Milwaukee to become the Milwaukee Hawks.

Folded after the 1952–53 season †
1951–52 to 1952–53 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Fort Wayne Pistons
Boston Celtics Indianapolis Olympians
New York Knicks Milwaukee Hawks
Philadelphia Warriors Minneapolis Lakers
Syracuse Nationals Rochester Royals

1953 and 1954 contraction

The league contracts to nine teams for the 1953–54 season after the Indianapolis Olympians fold. The Baltimore Bullets then fold 14 games into the 1954–55 season.

Folded midway through the 1954–55 season †
1953–54 to 1954–55 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Fort Wayne Pistons
Boston Celtics Milwaukee Hawks
New York Knicks Minneapolis Lakers
Philadelphia Warriors Rochester Royals
Syracuse Nationals  

1955: Hawks relocation to St. Louis

The Milwaukee Hawks move to St. Louis to become the St. Louis Hawks.

1955–56 to 1956–57 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Fort Wayne Pistons
New York Knicks Minneapolis Lakers
Philadelphia Warriors Rochester Royals
Syracuse Nationals St. Louis Hawks

1957: Pistons and Royals relocation

1957–58 to 1959–60 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Cincinnati Royals
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia Warriors Minneapolis Lakers
Syracuse Nationals St. Louis Hawks

1960: Lakers relocation to Los Angeles

The Minneapolis Lakers move to Los Angeles to become the Los Angeles Lakers.

1960–61 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Cincinnati Royals
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia Warriors Los Angeles Lakers
Syracuse Nationals St. Louis Hawks

1961 expansion

The Chicago Packers are enfranchised and are placed in the West Division, bringing the league back to nine teams.

First season in NBA *
1961–62 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Chicago Packers*
New York Knicks Cincinnati Royals
Philadelphia Warriors Detroit Pistons
Syracuse Nationals Los Angeles Lakers
  St. Louis Hawks

1962: Warriors relocation and Chicago renaming

  • The Philadelphia Warriors relocate to San Francisco to become the San Francisco Warriors. This results in the Warriors moving to the West Division, and the Cincinnati Royals moving to the East Division.
  • The Chicago Packers are renamed the Chicago Zephyrs.
1962–63 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Chicago Zephyrs
Cincinnati Royals Detroit Pistons
New York Knicks Los Angeles Lakers
Syracuse Nationals San Francisco Warriors
  St. Louis Hawks

1963 relocations

1963–64 to 1965–66 NBA teams
East West
Boston Celtics Baltimore Bullets
Cincinnati Royals Detroit Pistons
New York Knicks Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers San Francisco Warriors
  St. Louis Hawks

Expansion era (1966–1976)

1966 expansion

The Chicago Bulls are enfranchised and are placed in the West Division, while the Baltimore Bullets move to the East Division.

First season in NBA *
1966–67 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Chicago Bulls*
Boston Celtics Detroit Pistons
Cincinnati Royals Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks San Francisco Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers St. Louis Hawks

1967 expansion

The San Diego Rockets and the Seattle SuperSonics are enfranchised, bringing the league to 12 teams. Both expansion teams are placed in the West Division while the Detroit Pistons move to the East Division.

First season in NBA *
1967–68 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Chicago Bulls
Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers
Cincinnati Royals San Diego Rockets*
Detroit Pistons San Francisco Warriors
New York Knicks Seattle SuperSonics*
Philadelphia 76ers St. Louis Hawks

1968 expansion and relocation

  • The Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns are enfranchised, bringing the league to 14 teams. The Bucks are placed in the East Division and the Suns in the West Division.
  • The St. Louis Hawks move to Atlanta to become the Atlanta Hawks, but still stay in the West Division.
1968–69 is first season in NBA *
1968–69 to 1969–70 NBA teams
East West
Baltimore Bullets Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls
Cincinnati Royals Los Angeles Lakers
Detroit Pistons Phoenix Suns*
Milwaukee Bucks* San Diego Rockets
New York Knicks San Francisco Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers Seattle SuperSonics

1970 expansion and realignment

The NBA expands to 17 teams with the Buffalo Braves, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Portland Trail Blazers. The league realigns into four divisions and two conferences.

First season in NBA *
1970–71 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Los Angeles Lakers
Buffalo Braves* Baltimore Bullets Detroit Pistons Portland Trail Blazers*
New York Knicks Cincinnati Royals Milwaukee Bucks San Diego Rockets
Philadelphia 76ers Cleveland Cavaliers* Phoenix Suns San Francisco Warriors
  Seattle SuperSonics

1971: Rockets and Warriors relocation

1971–72 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Baltimore Bullets Detroit Pistons Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Cincinnati Royals Milwaukee Bucks Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers Cleveland Cavaliers Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers
  Seattle SuperSonics

1972: Royals relocation to Kansas City-Omaha

The Cincinnati Royals relocate and became the Kansas City–Omaha Kings, splitting their home games between Kansas City, Missouri and Omaha, Nebraska. This results in the Kings moving to the Midwest Division, the Houston Rockets moving to the Central, and the Phoenix Suns moving to the Pacific.

1972–73 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Baltimore Bullets Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Kansas City–Omaha Kings Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets Milwaukee Bucks Portland Trail Blazers
  Seattle SuperSonics

1973: Bullets relocation

The Baltimore Bullets become the Capital Bullets after they move to the Washington, D.C. suburb of Landover, Maryland.

1973–74 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Capital Bullets Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Kansas City–Omaha Kings Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets Milwaukee Bucks Portland Trail Blazers
  Seattle SuperSonics

1974 expansion

First season in NBA *
1974–75 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Houston Rockets Kansas City–Omaha Kings Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers New Orleans Jazz* Milwaukee Bucks Portland Trail Blazers
  Washington Bullets   Seattle SuperSonics

1975: Kings play in Kansas City full-time

The Kansas City–Omaha Kings are renamed the Kansas City Kings after they decide to play in Kansas City full-time.

1975–76 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Houston Rockets Kansas City Kings Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers New Orleans Jazz Milwaukee Bucks Portland Trail Blazers
  Washington Bullets   Seattle SuperSonics

ABA–NBA merger (1976-1977)

The ABA–NBA merger. Four American Basketball Association franchises join the NBA: the Denver Nuggets, the Indiana Pacers, the New York Nets, and the San Antonio Spurs.

Team merged from ABA ^
1976–77 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Cleveland Cavaliers Denver Nuggets^ Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Houston Rockets Detroit Pistons Phoenix Suns
New York Nets^ New Orleans Jazz Indiana Pacers^ Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers San Antonio Spurs^ Kansas City Kings Seattle SuperSonics
  Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks  

Post merger (1977-1988)

1977: Nets relocation to New Jersey

The New York Nets move to Piscataway, New Jersey to become the New Jersey Nets.

1977–78 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
Buffalo Braves Cleveland Cavaliers Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
New Jersey Nets Houston Rockets Detroit Pistons Phoenix Suns
New York Knicks New Orleans Jazz Indiana Pacers Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers San Antonio Spurs Kansas City Kings Seattle SuperSonics
  Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks  

1978: Braves relocation to San Diego

The Buffalo Braves relocate to San Diego to become the San Diego Clippers. This results in the Clippers moving to the Pacific Division, the Detroit Pistons moving to the Central, and the Washington Bullets moving to the Atlantic.

1978–79 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets Kansas City Kings Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets New Orleans Jazz Milwaukee Bucks San Diego Clippers
  San Antonio Spurs   Seattle SuperSonics

1979: Jazz relocation to Utah

The New Orleans Jazz relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah to become the Utah Jazz. This results in the Jazz moving to the Midwest Division and the Indiana Pacers moving to the Central.

1979–80 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Chicago Bulls Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Kansas City Kings Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets Milwaukee Bucks Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz San Diego Clippers
  San Antonio Spurs   Seattle SuperSonics

1980 expansion and realignment

The Dallas Mavericks are enfranchised as the league's 23rd team, and are placed in the Midwest Division. The NBA's two other Texas teams, the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs, move to the Midwest Division to join the Mavericks, while the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks move to the Central Division.

1980–81 is first season in NBA *
1980–81 to 1983–84 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks* Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Detroit Pistons Kansas City Kings Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs San Diego Clippers
  Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics

1984: Clippers relocation to Los Angeles

The San Diego Clippers move to Los Angeles to become the Los Angeles Clippers.

1984–85 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers Detroit Pistons Kansas City Kings Phoenix Suns
Washington Bullets Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
  Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics

1985: Kings relocation to Sacramento

The Kansas City Kings move to Sacramento, California to become the Sacramento Kings.

1985–86 to 1987–88 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers Detroit Pistons Sacramento Kings Phoenix Suns
Washington Bullets Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
  Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics

Modern expansion era (1988–2004)

1988 expansion

The Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat are enfranchised to bring the league to 25 teams. The Hornets are placed in the Atlantic Division, the Heat in the Midwest Division, and the Sacramento Kings move to the Pacific Division.

First season in NBA *
1988–89 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Charlotte Hornets* Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat* Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings
  Seattle SuperSonics

1989 expansion

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic are enfranchised as the league's 26th and 27th teams. The Timberwolves are placed in the Midwest Division, the Magic in the Central Division, the Charlotte Hornets move to the Midwest Division, and the Miami Heat move to the Atlantic Division.

First season in NBA *
1989–90 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Charlotte Hornets Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Chicago Bulls Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Minnesota Timberwolves* Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings
  Orlando Magic* Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics

1990: Hornets and Magic switch conferences

The Charlotte Hornets move to the Central Division, while the Orlando Magic move to the Midwest Division.

1990–91 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Charlotte Hornets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers Detroit Pistons Orlando Magic Portland Trail Blazers
Washington Bullets Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings
  Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics

1991: Magic moves back to Eastern Conference

The Orlando Magic move to the Atlantic Division to reduce travel after spending the previous season in the Western Conference.

1991–92 to 1994–95 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Charlotte Hornets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic Detroit Pistons San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings
Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks   Seattle SuperSonics

1995 expansion

The NBA expands into Canada as the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies are enfranchised as the league's 28th and 29th teams. The Raptors are placed in the Central Division and the Grizzlies are placed in the Midwest Division.

1995–96 is first season in NBA *
1995–96 to 1996–97 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Charlotte Hornets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic Detroit Pistons San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings
Washington Bullets Milwaukee Bucks Vancouver Grizzlies* Seattle SuperSonics
  Toronto Raptors*  

1997: Washington renaming

The Washington Bullets are renamed the Washington Wizards.

1997–98 to 2000–01 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Charlotte Hornets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic Detroit Pistons San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings
Washington Wizards Milwaukee Bucks Vancouver Grizzlies Seattle SuperSonics
  Toronto Raptors  

2001: Grizzlies relocation to Memphis

The Vancouver Grizzlies move to Memphis, Tennessee to become the Memphis Grizzlies.

2001–02 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Charlotte Hornets Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Cleveland Cavaliers Memphis Grizzlies Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic Detroit Pistons Minnesota Timberwolves Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings
Washington Wizards Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics
  Toronto Raptors  

2002: Hornets relocation to New Orleans

The Charlotte Hornets move to New Orleans to become the New Orleans Hornets.

2002–03 to 2003–04 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
Boston Celtics Atlanta Hawks Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Memphis Grizzlies Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic Indiana Pacers Minnesota Timberwolves Portland Trail Blazers
Philadelphia 76ers Milwaukee Bucks San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings
Washington Wizards New Orleans Hornets Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics
  Toronto Raptors  

Realignment (2004-present)

2004 expansion and realignment

The Charlotte Bobcats are enfranchised as the league's 30th team. The NBA realigns to create three divisions with five teams each in both conferences. The New Orleans Hornets are the only team to switch conferences, moving from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference.

First season in NBA *
2004–05 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats* Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Seattle SuperSonics Phoenix Suns New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2005: Hurricane Katrina impacts Hornets

Due to the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets split their home games between New Orleans and Oklahoma City for two seasons, and thus officially play as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

2005–06 to 2006–07 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Seattle SuperSonics Phoenix Suns New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2007: Hornets return to New Orleans full-time

With damages caused by Hurricane Katrina fully repaired, the Hornets return to New Orleans full-time.

2007–08 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Seattle SuperSonics Phoenix Suns New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2008: SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City

The Seattle SuperSonics move to Oklahoma City to become the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2008–09 to 2011–12 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2012: Nets relocation

The New Jersey Nets move to Brooklyn to become the Brooklyn Nets.

2012–13 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2013: New Orleans renaming

The New Orleans Hornets are renamed the New Orleans Pelicans.

2013–14 NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns New Orleans Pelicans
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

2014: Charlotte renaming

The Charlotte Bobcats are renamed the Charlotte Hornets after the New Orleans Pelicans agree to return the original Charlotte Hornets' name, history, and records from 1988 to 2002 to the City of Charlotte.[1]

2014–15 to the present NBA teams
East West
Atlantic Central Southeast Northwest Pacific Southwest
Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Hornets Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns New Orleans Pelicans
Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs

See also

References

  1. "Charlotte Hornets Name Returns to Carolinas". Hornets.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. May 20, 2014.

Sources

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