The 1997–98 NBA season was the 30th season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association. In the offseason, the Sonics acquired All-Star forward Vin Baker from the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade. Other offseason acquisitions included re-acquiring former Sonics star Dale Ellis from the Denver Nuggets, and signing free agents Jerome Kersey and Greg Anthony. The Sonics got off to a fast start with a 37–10 record before the All-Star break, as they finished first place in the Pacific Division with a 61–21. Baker and Gary Payton were both selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, with head coach George Karl coaching the Western Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, the Sonics struggled as they trailed 2–1 to the 7th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, but managed to win the series in five games. However, they would lose in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals after taking Game 1.

Following the season, Karl left to coach the Milwaukee Bucks as his "favorite player" Nate McMillan retired. Also following the season, Sam Perkins signed as a free agent with the Indiana Pacers, Kersey signed with the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, and Jim McIlvaine was traded to the New Jersey Nets.

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