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#7: Is This The Last Season For The Kings in Sacramento?
Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
One of the most compelling stories in recent NBA history has centered on the Sacramento Kings and the efforts of the team owners, the Maloof brothers, to move the team to Anaheim.
Initially the Maloofs wanted a brand new arena to be built in Sacramento with them paying as little for it as possible. However, their personal financial situation has worsened to the point that they have been actively seeking a venue that would actually pay them to host the Kings. They found a suitor in the Honda Center and were taking the steps to move the team.
Sacramento residents, who remember the plight of the residents of Seattle before that city lost an NBA franchise very well, chose to fight back.
Last season it appeared that the story would have a happy ending. Former NBA player and current Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson reached an agreement with the Maloofs on financing a new arena in the city on March only to have the brothers back out.
Now the clock is ticking once again. The Maloofs know they have burned any bridges they had left with the city and Sacramento residents know that the current fiscal condition of the city and the state of California are not on their side.
Adding intrigue to the situation is the city government of Seattle recently voting to approve a tentative agreement to build a new sports complex in hopes of attracting NBA and NHL teams.