Deal announced - latest rumors, etc.

[Livinthedream]

From Amick's new article:

"What's more, a person with knowledge of the Maloofs' situation told USA TODAY Sports that it remains possible – depending on how the NBA handles the process going forward – they could sell to a Sacramento-based group if a competitive offer materialized. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/21/sacramento-kings-seattle-supersonics-maloofs-chris-hansen-steve-ballmer/1853367/)

It's not over yet. Just part of the roller coaster ride.

 

[Tetsujin]

The media is really playing this as a done deal. Ray Ratto from Chronicle Live said Sac has no chance to keep the Kings because Hansen is the BOG's type of guy (deep pockets) they want in their inner circle. He basically said the BOG will listen to whatever KJ has up his sleeve as a courtesy to not look bad but will overwhelmingly approve the sale and relocation.

Hoping for a miracle.

To be completely fair, Ray Ratto is a fat mouthbreathing moron who would have trouble telling you the weather even if he was standing outside.

 

[ParniValjak]

From Amick's new article:

"What's more, a person with knowledge of the Maloofs' situation told USA TODAY Sports that it remains possible – depending on how the NBA handles the process going forward – they could sell to a Sacramento-based group if a competitive offer materialized. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/21/sacramento-kings-seattle-supersonics-maloofs-chris-hansen-steve-ballmer/1853367/)

It's not over yet. Just part of the roller coaster ride.

That was expected though! Maloofs will sell to whoever offers most money. Simple really!

 

[Spike]

To be completely fair, Ray Ratto is a fat mouthbreathing moron who would have trouble telling you the weather even if he was standing outside.

He is a mouth-breather, isn't he?

Listen everyone, the media will always take the lazy way out. Right now, that way is to say that the Kings are gone. Just like they were gone to Anaheim. The Maloofs are out! That hurdle has been cleared! Now it's up to KJ, and from what I've seen, you don't **** with him. Stay strong, people of Sacramento. Stay strong and fight. Now is the time.

 

[Trueblood]

Sonics fans can claim they were screwed in losing the team, but the bottom line fact is their city refused to participate in an arena deal. Heck they even passed a law against any public financing for any sports team. That law had an expiration date, which is why they can put in public money now.

So it is too bad that Seattle lost the Sonics, but their city council did nothing to support keeping the Sonics. A local buyer only stepped up, after the team and been sold to Bennett already.

On the other hand, Sacramento has done absolutely everything the league has asked us to do. Even in light of the difficulties in getting public funding in California for something like an arena, Sacramento came yup with a way to do the deal without raising taxes one iota.

The PR would be pretty awful for the league and they jeopardize the possibility of public funding being offered in other cities, like Sacramento. Ten NBA teams are in smaller media markets than Sacramento. How many cities are going to wan to risk public money and get screwed by the NBA?

This is what bothers me the most. Seattle had/has national sympathy on their side and it could wind up costing Sacramento it's team. If ESPN and the generally ignorant public had actually done their homework on the Seattle situation, we wouldn't be hearing the Bill Simmons' of the world talking about how a team got "hijacked" when it was clearly not the case. But because everyone thinks that Seattle "deserves" a team, there is going to be some serious pressure on the BOG to make this happen.

The league is not completely off the hook either. While I support the majority of what the NBA does, taking sides with New Orleans over Seattle and then having another shot at it but taking sides again with New Orleans over Sacramento is absolutely mind boggling. No matter how many times the multiple New Orleans fan site posters talk and brag about how much they hate the NBA, the NBA keeps going out of their way to keep the team there.

 

[Glenn]

I would think that upon the BOG reviewing two identicle deals the they would side with sacramento simply because the Kings are already there. I dont buy the arguement of " the league prefers that the larger market receive the team " in this situation. Its not the driving force thats pushing the the kings towards a move. We arent talking about New York or Los Angeles here. Its the #14 media market.

The deciding factor will be and has always been whether or not KJ presents a competitive offer. All other factors are irrelevant at this point.

Yes. This is my understanding.

 

[Glenn]

That was expected though! Maloofs will sell to whoever offers most money. Simple really!

I don't think it is the Maloof's choice at this point. The BOG has the final decision making power.

 

[Warhawk]

The media tells the bare bones of the story. People here - like Warhawk, Mike and kennadog - are in the trenches. They've been to the city council, they've talked with the Mayor, they've given a LOT to the cause. They're trying to give people reason to have hope and they're basing it on personal experience, etc. I would trust what they said way before I believed ANYTHING the local media people had to say. Remember, the local media had the Kings packed and on the way to Anaheim, too.

Not just that, but a lot of them are lazy. They don't look for details or potholes in plans. They don't ask the right people the right questions. And they don't know what KJ has been working on behind the scenes. In this twitter world everyone takes the first thing that pops up on their screen as gospel without the research that used to be done to verify a story.

So take most of what is said that isn't verifiable fact as opinion and give it the credit an opinion deserves. The Maloofs apparently signed an agreement with a few of the details that have been reported. That's the fact. The rest, including other's opinions on the chances of the team staying or going, is lots of rumor and opinion. Remember, these "sources close to the situation/Maloofs/Hansen" could be parking attendants, ticket sales folks, or security guards with no more real information than you or I have. But if they put out a certain opinion and state it as fact (like a certain SacBee columnist with the initials AV) they think it carries weight. Don't believe everything you read!

 

[swisshh]

That was expected though! Maloofs will sell to whoever offers most money. Simple really!

My only question to this is if this is true then why wouldn't the Maloofs let it be known publicly that they were ready to sell the team? If they did that then they'd likely get a larger scale bidding war with additional time for the already inflated sale price being reported to escalate.

I'm starting to think that Hansen isn't so innocent in all of this. The only reason this was done while the Maloofs were denying it was being done was to help Hansen avoid such a bidding war.

 

[Gilles]

The league wouldn't let the Hornets leave New Orleans. A smaller market than Sacramento.

The problem with most media is they use shortcuts, instead of spelling things out. A factually correct report would state that the Maloofs and Hansen have signed a purchase offer that is contingent on approval by the league Board of Commissioners. Its just lazy reporting. It's more insulting to Sacramento that some report it as a slam dunk.

I don't think it's lazy reporting. If Woj has access to the story and has no agenda no way he writes that team is sold for half a billion. I bet he was promised future leaks. That's the only way he gets them ahead of everybody else most times. I refuse to believe that a lot of people give the story to him out of the goodness of their hearts.

 

[Warhawk]

I don't think it's lazy reporting. If Woj has access to the story and has no agenda no way he writes that team is sold for half a billion. I bet he was promised future leaks. That's the only way he gets them ahead of everybody else most times. I refuse to believe that a lot of people give the story to him out of the goodness of their hearts.

Oh, the team is VALUED at $525 million with the signed offer sheet, the MSE/controlling share is closer to $340 or so. And it is lazy reporting to say the deal is done (team is moving) before the NBA BOG and relocation committee has a chance to review and vote. We haven't even heard from KJ yet what his team looks like or the amount they will bid, much less have a chance for him to go to the BOG with his presentation. Remember all the national pundits were saying that the Kings were going to Anaheim before KJ sent the boys home crying to mama and seeing Burkle in their nightmares. Let the game play out.

 

[D-Mass]

Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) tweeted at 8:47 PM on Mon, Jan 21, 2013:
Took an 8 count today Sacramento. Knocked down but NOT OUT. Counterpunches start tomorrow. Strap in, going to get interesting

Smiley face is Dave's...

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Ray Ratto from Chronicle Live said Sac has no chance to keep the Kings because Hansen is the BOG's type of guy (deep pockets) they want in their inner circle.

Ratto has absolutely no clue what he's talking about, which is par for the course for most these media hacks outside the area.

All these same guys said the same exact thing when Chris Webber was an unrestricted free agent and when the Kings-to-Anaheim rumors were going on. These guys and their "unnamed sources close to the situation that don't wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the situation" KNEW, unequivocally, that Chris Webber wouldn't re-sign in Sacramento and that the Kings to Anaheim was a mere formality. Did ANY of them fess up to being wrong about either situation being a slam dunk, done deal? Nope. Instead, they're repeating the same exact rhetoric this time around. And if/when it doesn't come to pass, they still won't learn their lesson. It's an infinite loop.

First off, Ratto is wrong about Hansen having deep pockets. Ballmer is the one with deep pockets. Hansen isn't any more wealthy than Mastrov.

Secondly, what if a member of the local group Mayor KJ is pooling together has even deeper pockets than Ballmer? Wouldn't that individual be even more of the BOG's type of guy?? Ratto and his fellow retards aren't even considering that possibility. There's absolutely no thought process involved by any of these hacks. It's like they can only see 3 feet in front of their faces.

 

[xrzn]

Chris Webber just kept using "we" and "some of us" in reference to working on keeping the Kings in Sacramento on Inside the NBA. That could mean he may be working with KJ or new ownership or something.

He finished up by saying, "It's not over Sacramento."

 

[miltonap]

I'm wondering if anyone just watched Inside the NBA. They showed the Kings vs Hornets highlights and of course then talked about the arena situation. For those wondering if Chris Webber is doing anything as a part of this whole situation, I can now easily say that HE IS. Something big is going on behind the scenes folks and Chris Webber seemed damn sure that we weren't going anywhere. When asked questions by the TNT crew he was answering with personal pronouns. He kept using phrases such as "WE are going to keep fighting. OUR efforts have been great."

A part of the conversation that really caught my eye was when they were commenting on Webber's jersey being taken off and moved to Seattle. He basically said calm down because it ain't happening. The jerseys not going anywhere. They filed the paperwork. THATS IT. He seemed very adamant about this.

This makes me more optimistic about the whole situation. This is going to be an interesting next few months guys.

 

[Tetsujin]

Absolutely hated Shaq in his playing days and he still is a fat knucklehead but I really appreciate that he's on Sacramento's side here.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

yeah, I just watched it. Shaq, Kenny and Chris were all complimentary of Sacramento and it's fans. Shaq said it was one of the toughest places he's played in. Kenny lauded the fans for selling out during his time in Sac when they were only winning 29 games. Chris said he wants both cities to end up with a team and kept saying the fight isn't over. Shaq even gave a shout out to Larry Ellison (called him "Ellis") and Mastrov.

 

[Tomcat]

Chris definitely seems committed and is involved. It's personal to him. He may have kicked and fought all the way about coming to Sacramento initially, but it was really a life-changer for him. I'm really glad to hear all the complementary statements about Sacramento tonight on Inside The NBA. My opinion on Shaq is starting to change as well. This is far from over. Just trying to keep the faith.

 

[sactownfan]

Chris Webber just kept using "we" and "some of us" in reference to working on keeping the Kings in Sacramento on Inside the NBA. That could mean he may be working with KJ or new ownership or something.

He finished up by saying, "It's not over Sacramento."

ok im not from sacramento... but im seriously impressed and pumped by these comments and KJ's attitude. wow! no matter what happens KJ is a boss! i really do hope sacramento stays and the maloofs get their money and leave!!!! what total douchebags.

could you imagine this team and the crowd turn out if we had REAL owners!?!?! wow i really think (and hope) Stern and the rest of the NBA know this.

 

[Brac-o-matic]

In addition to the prospect of what Webber could do for us, it is awesome to hear respected voices on a national level making it clear that this is NOT over by any means. The exact opposite message if far too dominant in the national media. I will sleep well tonight.

 

[Tetsujin]

Aaron Bruski ‏@aaronbruski
Sources confirm 2 p.m. presser for KJ in SAC. At least three ownership groups with "heavy hitters" in the mix.

Aaron Bruski ‏@aaronbruski
Knowledgeable sources claim the SAC groups have the vision/$$$ to "transform one of the NBA's most proven markets into a top franchise"

PS Seattle fans have been acting like real doo-doo heads.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

wow it was great listening to what Shaq, Kenny, and C-Webb said about us on TNT. if this ends up going badly, atleast the nation will know that this makes SonicsGate look like NOTHING

 

[Larry David]

i read that because of the non refundable $30M the Maloofs and the Hansen group may be able to sue if the league rejects the sale. not good

That is correct. You can't just file a case unless you have an injury. The 30 million gives him standing to file a federal anti trust case vs the league. I lost my deposit because this monopoly blocked my bid. The league knows the Maloofs can't afford this, but the would be Sonics owners could. Also, they aren't a party to the CBA (yet) so the league can't hide behind that.

Damn. That's smart

 

[HereWeBoogie]

another interesting thing Webber said, was when they showed the Kings logo on the screen and the number 19, and EJ said "19 home games left in Sacramento" and Webber said "thats what they say, not happenin"

 

[Krunker]

My only question to this is if this is true then why wouldn't the Maloofs let it be known publicly that they were ready to sell the team? If they did that then they'd likely get a larger scale bidding war with additional time for the already inflated sale price being reported to escalate.

I'm starting to think that Hansen isn't so innocent in all of this. The only reason this was done while the Maloofs were denying it was being done was to help Hansen avoid such a bidding war.

Agreed, and with the binding contract the Maloofs can't sell for more. Financially, the Maloofs would have done better starting the bidding war at $525M (multiplied by their percent). Maybe wanting to screw over Sac is part of their play.

An agreed-upon sale is a different ball game than relocation to Anaheim with the same owners. I have a hard time seeing the BOG block it even with a competitive bid, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. I think it's more distasteful to owners to establish the case where an owner is not allowed to sell to who they want than it is for a the nba/owner to look bad screwing a city over.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

clip from Inside the NBA tonight.....

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/tnt_overtime/2013/01/22/20130121-inside-5.nba/index.html



EJ - "Mayor Johnson is still fighting"
Webb - "yea alot of us are"

he also has a little smirk on his face like theres something he knows but cant say publicly yet

 

[Tetsujin]

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/tnt_overtime/2013/01/22/20130121-inside-5.nba

C-Webb has the smirk going. We all know what that means.

 

[Tetsujin]

My only question to this is if this is true then why wouldn't the Maloofs let it be known publicly that they were ready to sell the team? If they did that then they'd likely get a larger scale bidding war with additional time for the already inflated sale price being reported to escalate.

I'm starting to think that Hansen isn't so innocent in all of this. The only reason this was done while the Maloofs were denying it was being done was to help Hansen avoid such a bidding war.

Which also could mean that his pockets aren't quite as deep as everyone seems to think.

 

[Brac-o-matic]

Agreed, and with the binding contract the Maloofs can't sell for more. Financially, the Maloofs would have done better starting the bidding war at $525M (multiplied by their percent). Maybe wanting to screw over Sac is part of their play.

An agreed-upon sale is a different ball game than relocation to Anaheim with the same owners. I have a hard time seeing the BOG block it even with a competitive bid, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. I think it's more distasteful to owners to establish the case where an owner is not allowed to sell to who they want than it is for a the nba/owner to look bad screwing a city over.

But if the money is comparable at either location, why should the seller care? Unless, of course, they specifically want to stab their long-time customers in the back...

 

[JB_kings]

That is correct. You can't just file a case unless you have an injury. The 30 million gives him standing to file a federal anti trust case vs the league. I lost my deposit because this monopoly blocked my bid. The league knows the Maloofs can't afford this, but the would be Sonics owners could. Also, they aren't a party to the CBA (yet) so the league can't hide behind that.

Damn. That's smart

Or stupid. It could give him a reason to file, but winning it is a longshot. NBA is loaded with good lawyers and I'm pretty sure the city has a few as well. I don't think it will stop anything. And he could lose that deposit. It might have been the Maloofs who demanded the deposit in exchange for the exclusive negotiations.