I think the Tuesday meeting had been the plan for awhile...but it'll be a lot more heated than the NBA thought it would be. Tomorrow's meeting is new news. Purely for PR reasons, I'm guessing the relocation committee official recommendation won't change regardless of Hansen's moves. If Hansen ultimately succeeds, it's possible the finance committee suddenly makes a recommendation (which would require another 7 day delay in a BoG vote) or the BoG ignores the recommendation of the relocation committee.
I haven't heard anything said about the lottery being a factor as far as timing goes. The only timing point mentioned by the NBA so far is setting the NBA schedule for the 2013-14 season...obviously Sac and Seatle would have different scheduling constraints and travel schedules need to be set. OKC relocation apparently happened in July, so this probably isn't an issue yet. There's no real decision as far as the lottery goes, but I could imagine some weirdness when it comes to the actual draft if the purchase isn't finalized and is in limbo. In that case, it would probably be up to the Maloofs to draft.
One other thing to keep on the radar is that Ranadive's group apparently has not put the full purchase amount (of their lower $ offer) in escrow. There's some question whether they have liquid cash to do this and the Maloof's have raised it as a concern repeatedly. If Ranadive fails to put the money into escrow, that could be used as an excuse by the NBA to switch recommendations to Hansen.
"The Maloofs have informed their fellow owners that if their deal to sell and relocate the Kings to Seattle is not approved by league owners next week, they will not sell the team to a Sacramento-based group that promises to keep the team in Sacramento, two sources told ESPN.com on Saturday." http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9265605/sources-maloof-family-cuts-new-deal-sacramento-kings
Shit's getting real. I can get the Maloofs wanting the better offer, but to outright push for the relocation seems a bit much. How much more money do the Maloofs get from Hansen's group for the relocation to Seattle, as opposed to simply selling to Hansen's group (and they keep them in Sacto for the time being)?
It may be Un-American way, but I just don't agree that because someone owns a team, they can move it anywhere they want. This is not like other businesses. You should not be allowed to do that to fans who have invested so much to their team. It was wrong that Seattle lost the Sonics and it is wrong that the Maloofs will get their way with the Kings. I realize the Kings started somewhere else as well, but they were not supported like they have been in Sac town. It should not simply go to the highest bidder. It will be a very sad day for a lot of kids who are die hard Kings fans. In the end the fans always get screwed.
I don't think Hansen buying the team and keeping the team in Sac is on the table. Hansen's been pushing hard to make that not happen. The Maloofs make $60-$65 million more selling to Hansen than they would in the lower dollar Ranadive offer. Maloofs want the Hansen deal for the cash, which is pretty understandable. The backup offer means the Maloofs keep the team...guessing that would be the Maloof's preferred choice and the NBA's living breathing nightmare.
Despite all the pro-Sacramento steps the NBA has taken through the process, I actually think it's very possible there's change today or this week. With the 7-0 relocation decision, there was a lot of talk about the tie going to the runner (current city) and that the offers were in the same ballpark. Hansen made it so the two deals are not in the same ballpark. The total franchise value is approx. $100 million more with Hansen (more money for the Maloofs) and Hansen also agreed to be a revenue payor and pay a hefty $100 million relocation fee (money to the owners.) My bold prediction (that will almost assuredly be wrong) is that the relocation committee, in connection with feedback from the finance committee and it's review of the deals, changes its recommendation and the BoG meeting is re-scheduled for late next week.
I agree, but it's up to the NBA to formalize it and create the process. The owners don't want to do it because it could lower their return when they sell. Capitalism is definitely winning the day, when it comes to relocation. Or, in the case, of Bennett, subterfuge won the day. Either way, the league and it's fans would be much better off if seeking/maintaining local ownership were formalized into the sale process.
At one point, there was talk that Hansen's group would still purchase the Kings, even if forced to stay in Sacto and re-apply for relocation next summer. If that's on the table, the Maloofs forcing the move would otherwise only seem to be out of spite. It could very well be that Hansen's group's purchase is contingent on relocation at this point, but I've yet to see/hear anything definitely on the matter.
Yeah, you could be right, but reading between the lines, I'm guessing that the backup offer is Hansen's way of saying relocate to Seattle with me or stay in Sacramento with the Maloofs. Your choice, NBA.
For all this talk of Sacramento supporting the Kings - I wonder why it isnt shown in the attendance numbers.
Well as you pointed out with Evans, I think you have to give the fans a pass considering the owners have back stabbed them, they have a poor coaching system, and an inept front office. You can't hold the last two years against them.
Lol in other news, Macklemore wants the Thunder to stop playing is song. Link: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Macklemore-not-happy-with-OKC-Thunder--207230601.html
The option for the Maloofs to keep majority includes an option to buy out the Maloofs later. I think this is all about money for them.
Yeah, that's what I'm assuming. I mean, I get the Maloofs wanting the best offer. But they're kinda saying "F you, Sacto" by saying anything about moving the team. I would love to see the NBA deny relocation, and then force Hansen to either buy the team and keep them in Sacto (for now, at least), or call the Maloof's bluff and see if they'll sell the 20% to Hansen and keep the team in Sacto.
Sorry, you lost me with this hypothetical. I fully expect the Blazers to be moved in 2027. We won't pony up for a new arena or an upgrade, the lease with the City of Portland will be over and Paul Allen will likely not own the team, even if he's alive. Bottom line, the NBA uses the local fans to get what they want in concessions from municipalities. They couldn't care less about us.
I think Hansen getting the team but being stuck in Sac is a bad deal for everyone...it'd create the same situation you had with Clayton Bennett in Seattle (well, except that Bennett lied to create it, unlike Hansen.) Ownership needs to be truly committed to make it work in Sacramento.
