Talk about an important decision that’s still up in the air: We’re apparently not close to a final resolution about where the Sacramento Kings will play next season, as the Maloofs, David Stern and a relocation advisory committee is still sifting through the options.
One thing we do know: a decision should be made next week. May 2 is the deadline for the Maloofs to file a relocation request with the NBA. And we do know NBA officials met this week with Honda Center representatives to go over their financial offer, as well as reviewing Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s pitch for the team staying.
Basically, the issue will come down to this: if it appears likely there’s a good chance a new arena could be built in Sacramento, Stern will recommend the team stays there for a year. If the arena plan is iffy, there’s the better chance Stern wil green-light the move. Though the move must be voted on by the league’s Board of Governors, it’s expected that owners will go ahead and follow whatever move is recommended by Stern, though the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers have voiced opposition to an Anaheim move.
Usually big decisions like a franchise move become clearer with time. In this case, the waters are considerably muddier than a month ago.
RELATED STORIES: Report: Kings likely to stay in Sacramento for ’11-’12; Kings relo app deadline pushed back to May 2; Anaheim to discuss aid for Kings; Maloofs shoot down Arco refurb; Kings: From boom to bust; With Kings eying Anaheim, Johnson vows to continue arena quest; Maloofs sell naming rights to arena; admit to looking at moving NBA’s Kings; Johnson: We’ll take another run at new Kings arena; NBA: We’re done with Sacramento arena efforts; Consultant: It makes no sense to move Cal Expo as part of arena project; Maloof: We’re not looking at move to Seattle; Size of Arco Arena site threatens Kings arena deal
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