Somebody tell me why the NBA would expand while the Bucks are attempting to get a new arena built.
What year do you think such a thing could be finalized?
Any other team looking to negotiate a new lease?
Why would the league diminish the negotiating positions of those other owners by giving an expansion team to Seattle?
About Mike Baker
My commentary column appears on Tuesdays.
About me: I have advocated for and written about efforts to find an arena solution for my community for several years, and blogged many years on Sonics Central, among others.
I am a native
Seattleite, and lifelong Sonics fan.
University of Washington grad. I majored in Communication.
They won’t
This
Why would they give us an expansion team? We just bought a team. ; ) hahaha
That
You crack me up Baker!
Seriously, if you are Herb Kohl, you have to be pretty pissed off at the speculation from Sacramento fans.
He is fast approaching the public/private task force kicking into gear.
People should not underestimate Herb Kohl and his position in Wisconsin. He has more political leverage than any owner.
The NBA, like some of the other sports see expansion as a way to tap into new, and sometimes, new-old markets and immediately believe that doing so = more cash and a better product when a lot of times that is the furthest thing from the truth. The NBA needs to pay attention to what happened in MLB and even more so the NHL regarding what happens when you needlessly expand. Hell, look at the most recent expansion in the Association with Toronto and Vancouver. Vancouver lost it’s team after 6 years and the Raptors have only finished at .500 or above 5 times in 17 seasons, also the only 5 times they made the playoffs and they’ve only done that twice in the last decade.
Relocation I am certainly willing to accept if you can’t draw fans or there are other mitigating circumstances like the inability to get a new arena.
Noooo, not the E word!
I’m gonna blow my friggin brains out. lol
Jenn fyi I’m a mandatory reporter. I’m just going to call your local sheriff now and tell him you’ve threatened to harm yourself.
But not really.
lol…I think there is a good case for homicide on this one. You guys made me do it with all the E talk!
Or maybe that would technically qualify as assisted suicide.
Gotta love the HD!
Peter is gonna freakin blow this thread up. Hahaha. Im messin with ya peter. Hahaha
Did David Stern ever express interest expanding into Mexico?
lol
No, but I have.
Seemed like several new arenas were passed and built during the late 80s and early 90s when the Heat, Magic, wolves, grizz, hornets, raptors were added. Different times with MJ, Bird and Magic etc I guess.
Timberwolves.
Lies
Lies?
Timberwolves are leaving their current arena to the Toyota Center.
The arenas weren’t as grandiose and expensive as this era’s are.
I’m watching the Kings vs Suns game and I have to say the Kings are great at rebounding, But they have I think 9 turnovers already at the 5:40 mark of the 2nd quarter
I’m watching the nuggs out hustle the blunder.
David Lee is just fun to watch, always in the right position, always court aware, always moving.
I think I might switch over to that or watch the T-Birds Silvertips WHL game on Root Sports. So far this game is kind of dull for a tied game.
Kings are playing the Suns in Sac..Comcast HD 440 league pass free preview,
Napear and his color man are quite boring. Add some more ambiance to the name Sleep Train Arena. ZZZZZZ
Watch the Arizona feed of the game their commentators aren’t too bad
Sleep Train does look like a ghost town! Glad the game is in HD.
None of the 4 big leagues have had an expansion since the economy crashed. The economics changed and they are all still trying to get used to the new realities.
Expansion isn’t coming any time soon. At least not for any league other than maybe the NFL in LA.
Michael McCann @McCannSportsLaw
NBA can’t force Maloofs to accept a bid for #Kings they don’t want - but #NBA can reject all other bids. League power. http://seattletimes.com/html/nba/2020199491_sacramento24.html …
If the NBA wants to get rid of the maloofs they have no choice but to accept sale of kings to seattle. If they reject hansen and Maloofs don’t want to sell locally then the league is stuck with them.
I agree, the quickest, easiest and most profitable way for the NBA to get rid of the Maloofs is to approve the sale to Hansen.
The league cannot force an owner to sell (see Sterling, Donald T.)
What they can do is say no for limited reasons, financing, facilities, market dilution and harm to other franchises (LA tv market).
As a lender, they can apply pressure if there isn’t a viable business model for the reasons stated above.
Quoting DeMause as much as that Times piece only reinforces the angle they want to portray: “This is a mess and it’s all up in the air.”
There a lots of reasons I don’t think that’s true, but the main one is this: $30 million.
Unless we’ve all completely misread Chris Hansen so far, that nonrefundable deposit that goes with the executed purchase agreement might be all we need to know. Hansen has been extremely patient and deliberate to this point. He isn’t about a throw that very large amount of money around without specific assurances that this deal will be approved. That’s why the tone of the articles breaking this story two days ago were so definitive that the franchise is headed to Seattle. Hansen surely required a head count from the relocation committee and Board of Governors before pulling the trigger.
The rest will be so much kabuki theater.
P.S. Please don’t be a troll. Respect Kings fans by not interacting on their boards.
I don’t even read the Kings boards let alone post on them.
P.P.S. The not-trolling plea is addressed to every Sonics fan, not Gene Hunt, who would never do such a thing.
I thought I would just put that out there
Sorry - - I do peruse them. I just don’t post.
They’re pretty down tonight.
Sac is all noise - - - there’s no way Stern/NBA lets this get to a messy “auction circus” atmosphere. Way, way too messy & too expensive. Hansen “binding agreement” + 30mill. Sac will gracefully back down. This deal is done - write it in the history book.
Minnesota is looking to build a new arena. They won’t be able to. Minnesota has built a tax payer funded baseball stadium two years ago and about to break ground on a football stadium. I really don’t think they’ll be able to give Minnesota a building for basketball.
Wouldn’t surprise me if in five years people are having the same convo about the Timberwolves.
Yeah, and that fight to get the football stadium was pretty intense….and that’s football. I don’t think that you can find political will in Minny to get a publicly funded NBA arena anytime soon.
What!? There is no new arena.
They are renovating the Target Center which was apart of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium deal, and their lease with the Target Center is until 2025.
Plus there is the Xcel Energy Center across the river in St. Paul, MN where the Minnesota Wild plays at that was just built in the late 1990s.
I had no idea that a target center remodel was part of the vikings new stadium deal.
Now come 2025 and if Target Center is now considered outdated by NBA standards, just like Key Arena, than I could definitely see relocation. Plus the TWolves are the least popular out of the big 4 here.
That Vikings stadium situation was scary, there were times when I thought it was not going to pass and the Vikings would be on their way out to LA :( They have over 50 years in Minnesota. Luckily it passed!
Timberwolves
That is some solid info! Thank you, had no idea.
Watching the Kings now.
Wow…Cousins MUST GO.
It’s like he’s doing everything he can to foul out of the game. Bad attitude cheap shot on every single play. Crazy.
Thomas Robinson on the other hand…looking like the kind of glue guy that great teams have.
I just don’t know about Thomas, man. One game, he’s an active, athletic freak who doesn’t give the opposing team even a second to rest on their laurels while he’s around. The next game, you have to actively look for him to even notice he’s playing the game. Then you look at his numbers, and realize what you’re dealing with: 4pts and 4rebs per game on 42% shooting on 15mpg. I know he’s just a rookie, and I know he’s in a really tough situation currently… but those numbers are really pretty ugly.
I guess I have a, “take it or leave it” kind of attitude with regards to Robinson. I’d trade him in a New York minute for Kenneth Faried, though.
As for that tub of fun known simply as Cuz…. trade him. For anything. Seriously. Under no circumstances to I want that guy playing for the Sonics. Don’t even let him board a plane to Seattle, unless it’s mid December 2013 and his new team is coming to town to play a roadie at the Key.
I actually like Cousins. He’s never had any type of leadership with him though. Since Keith Smart became coach he’s become a lot better. He still has his moments especially todays game. I just think he needs a role model to follow. Kevin Garnett or someone of the type would put him in his place and show him how to work hard. And then if that doesn’t work you trade him for whatever.
Thomas Robinson reminds me of Tyrus Thomas… no thanks! especially if we can get some value for him…
I like TRob better than that overpaid scrub Jason Thompson. Robinson should develop into a great rebounder (limited offense though).
I’m holding out hope for Bennett from UNLV. Pair him with Cousins and that team could get every rebound and have incredible spacing thanks to Bennett’s range and Cousins on the block
Yeah I forgot about Jason Thompson. He’s ok but not for what he’s getting paid! Definitely take TRob over him.
I’d really like to see what Glenn Robinson III does in the next few months. Love his athleticism and desire. He always wins, he only has something around 20 turnovers for the 900 offensive possesions he’s been part of! That’s amazing, and I can see him as someone who can be a go to guy.
(Bennett is a beast too!)
The kid is crazy talented. the problem is that he very well could be plain old crazy too. I just don’t think we need our first season back marred by some player who’s as selfish and perpetually grumpy as Cousins is. Not worth the headache to just sort of sit around and hope he one day decides he wants to start acting right.
Let’s not forget that this guy also butted heads with Jon Calipari while he was playing at Kentucky, too.
I do like me some Anthony Bennett. Pretty sure that kid is going to end up as one of the two or three best players out of this upcoming draft.
That doesn’t change my fantasy of seeing Cousins traded for Kevin Love, though.
Yep, I’m dreaming big these days.
No doubt he’s a headache. But he’s also extremely talented on a team that lacks talent. Can’t just give him away. Better get back value in a big way or next year’s team could be Bobcats-bad
#42 is a scrub! Who is that guy?
Chuck Hayes. Yes, yes he is.
Kings have had 22 turnovers that have resulted in 23 points by the Suns
Cousins needs to calm down
Tyreke Evans has 14
PHX 104 Kings 93
35 seconds
Is it me, or do players nowadays think its a good idea to pick up their dribble with zero options for passing.
This past week I’ve watch more games and… Wtf, every game there are just puzzling choices some players are making.
Dribble into a double team, pick up my dribble, throw the ball away. I’ve seen this like every freaking game, and not because every team is playing Bulls defense.
What next, the jump-pass?
oh, just keep watching. You’ll get your fill of jump passes for sure.
Phoenix wins 106 - 96
If this team comes to Seattle, I doubt we’ll see Cousins playing in a Sonics uniform
Better not be. I really don’t want a single player on that roster. I just see a bunch of guys that can be traded to contenders as role players for late first round picks and that means sticking some guys over in Europe for a couple years as we buy a couple championships. haha
Not even Isaiah Thomas?
I’d be crestfallen if he got traded.
Me too - — I want to see him this fall. Can you imagine the intro ? I’m getting goosebumps already.
He can stay around for a couple years, but my dream is to see Trey Burke running point in Seattle for the next 15 years.
You just know he’ ‘ll get a standing ovation whilst making his way to center court to kiss the logo.
I can see it now. Cue those goosebumps.
@Kevin, I’m a big Marcus Smart fan. He plays on both ends.
He’s a combo guard, his intangibles are off the charts. Has the ball in his hands 95% of the time, and I think he can play PG full time in the NBA. Not the most athletic guard but he’s got a Deron Williams frame and he can be a similar player to Deron without the primadonna act.
He’s great for sentimental reasons, but he’s not a good enough shooter to justify the amount of time he keeps the ball in his hands. If he was on a good team, he’d be a serviceable backup, but nothing special.
I’ m a total sap. Sentimental value is big with me.
Really can’t build off sentimental value. If that is the case Payton, Kemp, Det and Big Smooth would all be starting opening night.
Thomas’ ceiling I think is a poor man’s Nate Robinson at best.
All the fun speculation .. . . damn, this feels good !!
He’ll be here next season - - - just can’t see him being traded for homecoming sentimental reasons. Don’t know how long he’ll be a Sonic - but I’d bet he will be here next fall.
If I was GM and I had my way, he’d be the sixth man and Trey Burke would be drafted and starting, but I don’t know if Burke is a good value at the sixth pick. Probably trade out for a couple picks in the future and start stocking up assets.
I’m totally down for the old- timer opening night lineup, Kev.
Quick, somebody go wake up Vincent Askew and let him know we’ re getting the band back together.
We bringing back Ervin Johnson back for this party too?
God, I hope so.
That means we can justify bringing Dave Wingate back from… wherever the he’ll he is.
I like Burke alot. But I dont think he has the nba size.
Cousins has some serious talent. He is also crazy.
His double foul followed up by delay of game penalty was hilarious.
I thought so too
Maybe he just needs a new coach who provides direction & focus. Or maybe he just needs a good spanking.
No, he just needs to be sent to Tel Aviv and become a Euro League All-Star.
I think hes worth keeping based on talent alone. He can play. Tough rebounder too. Still on a rookie deal so we have to keep him.
I really think we can con a lottery team into two first round picks for him and a menial role player with a soon expiring contract that we can get a high first or second round pick for. haha
exactly why we need to keep him
710 ESPN Seattle @710ESPNSeattle
Local paper misleading again on arena deal http://bit.ly/VZynFs (@BrockandSalk)
grrrrrrrrr. must refrain from doing battle in the comments section for the next 6 hours.
Just breathe and go watch that Badger, Badger, Badger video and your urge to kill will turn to something else.
Just a thought.
All that, we keep/get this team and you’ll get an expansion talk is pretty useless.
It’s pretty much just a way of telling the other teams fans that they should get lost and keep their fingers from said team wrapped into some nicer words.
I mean, there’s about a 1 - 3 % chance of expansion(if at all) for the next five years or so and it’s really not an option at this point.
Wroten blocks a Kobe dunk..Lakers reeling
blocked his face
I’m a Wisconsin resident. The Milwaukee Bucks will find out one way or another what will happen in the next 4 years. That’s how long they have on their lease at the Bradley Center. They are going to try and throw in a bunch of other stuff with the proposed new arena like money for the Milwaukee zoo, Museum, Milwaukee County war Memorial etc… in hope of building enough support for a new arena.
They are going to launch a task force next month or in March to figure out where the funding comes from.
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2012/12/suburban-leaders-withold-judgment-on.html
There has also been some talk an arena could go to public vote. If it does it will lose. The Bucks just aren’t that popular. Attendance is always horrible. I’ve lived my whole life in Wisconsin and have meet only a handful of Buck fans. I personally hope they leave. A new arena would be a waste of money for such an unpopular team.
If the Kings come to Seattle, then could the Bucks be something the Sacramento group might try to buy…
You keep cousins because you still have him at rookie contract don’t you? Dude if he gets Hus head on straight can be a all-star.
Keep cousins, robinson and build around those guys
And people that want to trade him for lottery pick this year draft is weak this year
Here are my thoughts to build sonicd
1. Get Phil Jackson to be president
2. Get RC Buford to be GM, if not him than his disciple, Sam Presti
3. Hire Mac10 to coach, I think he got a bad wrap in Portland. Great connection to past sonics history (huge point for skeptical city
4. Do whatever you have to do to get DMC’s head in straight. Franchise quality Bigs don’t grow on trees.
5. This years draft does not look great, so I wouldn’t trade pieces unless you see something you want, maybe future draft choices?
6. Keep T-Rob (young big with potential), jimmer (shooter, good character guy), Isiah (local kid, hustle off bench)
7. Trade tyreke Evans, and other pieces.
8. Clear cap space save it for 2015-2016
9. Get Durant home, win championship
Sounds good to me.
BUT, I wonder if it would be a better idea for Phil Jackson to choose the head coach. I mean, if he wants to mentor the coach, he might as well choose his own protégé.
So Brian Shaw?
Agreed - - - if he’s on board, let him choose. Geeez, this convo is so refreshing. Pinch me - - - or, please don’t wake me up.
I’d be cool with that
Buford’s already said he’s not interested.
Everybody has a price for the Billion Dollar Men.
Then get presti
Doubt Presti leaves OKC
Evans is a FA. Let him walk.
I just ran across this commentary on Youtube (dated 4-13-11) from the TNT NBA halftime show with Ernie, Charles, Kenny, and Chris Webber :
click
This was almost 2 years ago.
I remember that and I live blogged that game on my old site.
It appears that Sacramento has known for a while that present events were a distinct possibility but yet did not prepare for it. A lot of work to do in now what is a short period of time. I think this ship was booked long ago and has left the port.
But Stern likes them better. Tim Zellar of SB Nation said that so it’s gotta be true.
It’s one thing to watch whales from a boat but another to capture them:
click
Some dude on Sactown Royalty claims to have seen Burkle and Mastrov getting out of a limo in Sacto tonight…
Good for him.
They also claimed Stern was in town when he is supposedly having a phone call with KJ tomorrow. If Burkle was in town there would probably have been a twitter update from one of the SacBee guys or something.
Two guys that Ballmer can personally buy getting together should give us nothing to worry about anyhow.
Did they have a copy of the signed sales agreement and a shredder? If not, means nothing.
Burkle: Soooo, Mastrov…. what did you think of the game?
Mastrov: It sucked. How many douches can you have on one team?
Burkle: Yeah, I know. So…. reckon it’s worth $425mill+?
Mastrov: HELL no!
Burkle: Yeah, I thought so too.
*fade to rear view of limo with the champagne being passed around while Burkle dials KJ*
http://seattletimes.com/html/nba/2020199491_sacramento24.html
Bob Condotta article on where the situation stands, sort of. I wonder why all of these articles say that it is heading for a showdown when there is already a sales agreement. Maybe we are over stating this part, but it just seems to me that the newspapers are willingly ignoring this fact in order to be able to continue writing articles about the sale.
never forget that mayor kj is a politician. he’s positioning himself for eventualities, and the main chance is that the kings leave. he can then be the guy who fought the good fight, and who kept positive lines of communication open to the nba, and who is tending the flame for the league’s return (spelled: “build that arena!”). . . his constituents can admire him for his fight, as opposed to blaming him as being part of the goofs who lost the team
the magoofs take the heat, hansen and seattle, too. stern avoids looking like a villain, and so does the nba. the bog makes respectful observations about sacramento’s passion and future. . .
fair enough, that’s how it works, most interests served. sactown fans are left holding the bag but having hope, and they are out of the musical chair franchise game for a few turns on the spindle (sorry, predigital reference there for all you youngsters!).
The Sactown Royalty boards were unimpressed by this last presser by KJ. Their biggest beef with it is that KJ mentioned building an arena without a tenant which to them seems like KJ is planning for the eventuality of losing the team.
Maybe they should realize what KJ appears to be realizing. The team is gone. The sale won’t get rejected.
Not sure if it’s been posted before.
Greg Anthony’s take on the situation and what could be next(basketball wise) for the team.
http://sports.yahoo.com/video/seattle-good-fit-nba-012000879.html
NEW THREAD UP
If the bucks stay, it may be too late In the 5 year window to get a team for expansion, and too late to buy a team, meaning we get shut out. In the UNLIKELY event Hansen sale gets rejected, the only way the league saves face here is to expand here. call me crazy, but I don’t have a lot of confidence the arena deal will be renewed after the 5 years if no team comes. so if we weren’t on a deadline, I would say expansion makes no sense. but IF the Hansen sale is rejected, there is a high risk we get shut out for a team and the only way the league will be sure our arena is built is to promise expansion. don’t get me wrong, the bucks may move, I just think they may not be an option for us by the time their issue is decided.
“IF the Hansen sale is rejected, there is a high risk we get shut out for a team and the only way the league will be sure our arena is built is to promise expansion”
exactly why I don’t think the sale will be rejected, but ANYTHING could happen. you never know.