The Maloofs are still acting like the rats caught in the maze, looking for a way out that is emotionally palatable for them. They are still working according to formula as far as I a am concerned.
They always said they wouldn't sell. They desperately looked for an arena that allowed them to retain ownership. Didn't work. Now they are desperately trying to give up ownership without giving up control. Of course that won't work. They are grudgingly getting to the point where they admit they need to get out of the business, entirely. They are moving in this direction not out of a conscious plan, but out of resolving their unresolved emotional issues about the team. This is all to the good. Through their bumbling they have now inadvertently admitted that they would in fact sell. And nobody in the world thinks "sell" means retaining control in the franchise, except for the Maloofs. Now that they have crossed the no-sale line, they are going to get a call from Stern in which he lays out for them how it is to be done. It is to be done with consultations with the NBA and communication with Kevin Johnson. This is also to the good. If the Maloofs really had their act together, they would have tied this thing in a bow already and making ready for their presentation to the NBA of their "done deal". That would have put Sacramento at a distinct disadvantage in presenting alternatives. We may be lucking out because they are so inept.