Sacramento Kings moving franchise to the OC, CA.

That, and to extort lease and revenue concession from their home cities/arena owners.

"Build us a new arena (or give us lots and lots more money out of the one we have now), or we'll blow this franchise's head ALL OVER THIS TOWN!!"

"DO WHAT HE SAY!! DO WHAT HE SAY!!"

"Better listen to him, men. He's just crazy enough to do it!!"

 

Webber is telling both sides to take time out and think it over.

 

They extended the deadline until May 2. I'd say the move is maybe 50-50 at this point. I think it was about 90-10 a week ago.

So who knows?

 

It's still 90-10. Unless Sacto can start building a new arena in the next two weeks.

 

You know there will probably be five no votes - Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Knicks and Nets. I'm betting the latter two vote no because Newark wants a third team for the NYC market.

 

I would think Buss would have enough cache with the other owners to pull in more than a few votes. I'll bet there are at least 10 no votes.

 

I imagine the Wiz (just in case Baltimore or Northern Va. gets any ideas) and the Sixers (voting with NY to seal off NJ entirely) would have some interest in self-preservation as well.

 

I would bet the Bulls and Celtics will vote no too. The 'anchor franchises,' those with virtually no likelihood of ever moving, will be more likely to oppose.

 

How close were the Grizzlies to moving to Chicago before settling on Memphis?

 

Didn't Cuban vote against the Sonics moving to OKC because he considered Oklahoma a secondary market for the Mavericks? That might not be right, I'm just going on memory. Are there any other NBA teams that might vote no because they worry about a team moving to the same broad region in the future? Would Portland try to keep a team from going back to Seattle?

 

Geographically, Portland and Seattle aren't close enough for that to be much of an issue. I'd say Portland benefits from a natural rivalry far more than it would be hurt by a theoretical loss of a secondary market.

 

they weren,t