<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The NBA might not stand in the way if the SuperSonics ask to leave Seattle, and it doesn't sound like the league will do anything to stop bad playoff draws like the one that appears imminent this season. Commissioner David Stern touched on both topics during his annual address during All-Star weekend on Saturday, and also reiterated that he sees nothing preventing the Hornets from returning to New Orleans after next season. As for the SuperSonics' future in Seattle -- that one sounds a little up in the air. "I fully expect to be visiting Seattle in the relatively near future to weigh in on that subject and I'm quite on record as saying that Seattle has what is the least competitive lease in the league, which is a decided economic disadvantage," Stern said. "I think if that situation is not ultimately improved -- and we all knew it had to be improved -- I think that the board of governors at the expiration of the lease would be inclined to listen to their partner's request for an opportunity to be in a place where there is a good lease and a good facility." SuperSonics principal owner Howard Schultz recently said the team has lost almost $60 million since buying the team in 2001 and will consider moving or selling the team if the state Legislature fails to earmark $200 million to refurbish Key Arena or build a new home. The Sonics' lease at the arena expires in 2010. "I would prefer and I know that Howard Schultz and his partners would prefer that the team remain in Seattle with an opportunity to compete with other NBA teams," Stern said. </div> Yahoo.
Slowly but surely it seems as if the Supersonics are laying the ground work to be moved elsewhere. And here I was stupid enough to assume that this was in the works back in August of 2004. Schultz isn't fooling anyone. He made a bad investment and now he is trying to save face. All this talk about staying in Seattle is for the benefit of his co-owners who reside in the city and bought into his plan. He would sell this team and move it tomorrow if it meant an increase in his profit margin. I don't know how Rick Sund has been able to do what he has when he has an owner who is literally trying to save pennies on the dollar--especially considering that he is one of the richest men in the world.
Seriously....Howie needs to stick with his coffee making business. He isn't cut out to managing a basketball team. The guy needs to sell this team. I want a new owner!!! I have never liked this guy.
