Former Sonics player Desmond Mason arrested on felony theft warrant in Oklahoma City

Sofia Schwarzwalder, The Seattle Times on May 13, 2026

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SEATTLE — Desmond Mason, the only SuperSonics player to win the Slam Dunk Contest, was arrested last week on a felony warrant in Oklahoma City. An Oklahoma City news outlet reported the felony warrant is for theft of property out of Texas.

The former NBA player, who was drafted 17th overall by the Sonics in 2000 and played two and a half seasons with the team, is currently being held without bond, according to the Oklahoma County Detention Center’s online database.

News 9 in Oklahoma City reported that a Texas couple filed a police report with the Melissa Police Department in Collin County, Texas, at the start of this year that claimed they had commissioned Mason to frame a piece of sports memorabilia in March 2025 and paid the former player $9,822.86.

According to the news station, Mason sent the couple a photo of the completed project in April 2025 and then cut off all communication. The memorabilia and accompanying authentication documents were reported as having a value of approximately $40,000.

The database indicates Mason is being held on a “flight to avoid” charge from Collin County, Texas, typically used for someone who travels to avoid prosecution. Yahoo Sports reported that a warrant for Mason’s arrest was issued in February.

Mason, who is from Texas, played in the NBA from 2000 to 2009. He was traded to the Bucks after two and a half seasons, and spent time in New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Sacramento throughout the remaining years of his career.

The former player became a full-time artist after his retirement in 2009. His first show was in September 2004 at McCaw Hall while he was still playing in the league. In 2014, Mason was seeing his paintings sell for $4,000 to $10,000. A private art Instagram account bio lists a 2026 “PAIN” Exhibition.