Good god, are we gonna have to see another awkward exchange between Stern and Daniels tomorrow?

Chris Daniels ‏@ChrisDaniels5 57s
Spotted in hotel lobby: NBA Commish David Stern and George Maloof having serious discussion. #NBAKings

Dale Kasler ‏@dakasler 13m
David stern and George Maloof have been chatting for quite a few minutes in a sitting area off the lobby. That's your mid morning update

Sounds like George Maloof & David Stern have been chopping it up this morning.

They were meeting with a third person, one of the NBA's lawyers

Jason Puckett ‏@JasonPuckettKJR 36s
Interesting site at the hotel where David Stern sat and chatted with George Maloof and another unidentified man for 45 minutes. #NBABOG

A hitman?

I think this is a definite sign that the NBA is going to cave and avoid litigation by guaranteeing HBN an Expansion team for the '14-'15 season. We probably won't hear the announcement tomorrow, but it will be coming soon.

That's the NBA's only exit strategy - because HBN are poised to scorch the earth in Sacto and in Court. The only way the NBA saves their sweet public $$ subsidy deal in Sacto is by giving HBN what they want.

Now, I have no doubt this info was deliberately spoon-fed to Montemayor by someone in the the NBA (who probably got the script straight from Stern) - but why? First of all, we know that it's BS. What are the 2 things Stern has consistently said during this whole process? 1) Expansion's not on the table. 2) One of the cities is going to walk away disappointed. Now we're supposed to believe that expansion's always been an option H/B/N knew about? Yeah, right - doesn't even pass the smell test. And secondly, we know that HBN were working closely with the NBA to make the initial offer for the Kings and that the League pre-approved - so it's obvious that HBN was told all along that if they wanted a team they had to take an existing one

But from a PR standpoint, there's no way the NBA is going to admit that HBN bent them over a rail and leveraged a team from them. So this is the story they'll create to spin it ... Everyone dislikes the Maloofs already, so just throw them under the bus some more and blame all the complications on them. Say the only reason HBN fought for the Kings is because they were being conned by the Maloofs. Paint Stern as the master negotiator who was able to step in and sort everything out.

The NBA will act like "Oh, we were always going to do expansion, it's just those stupid Maloofs led HBN astray and got them mixed up with the Kings ..." when the truth of the matter is that Stern just thought he could keep HBN in play to extract new arenas from Sacto, Milwaukee, etc, but it blew up in his face and HBN just curb-stomped him.

The only question I have about this possible scenario is, who is going to make the Maloofs whole? I doubt the SAC group has close to enough money to match Hansen's most recent bid. Are they just going to relent and take the SAC offer so the SEA group will be open for expansion?

Tony Stark and Rhodey just showed up, ready to dole out some justice.

HAHAHAHA, that's awesome!

No, it's racist. Are you saying all white people look alike? I'm offended.....

I think this is a definite sign that the NBA is going to cave and avoid litigation by guaranteeing HBN an Expansion team for the '14-'15 season. We probably won't hear the announcement tomorrow, but it will be coming soon.

That's the NBA's only exit strategy - because HBN are poised to scorch the earth in Sacto and in Court. The only way the NBA saves their sweet public $$ subsidy deal in Sacto is by giving HBN what they want.

Now, I have no doubt this info was deliberately spoon-fed to Montemayor by someone in the the NBA (who probably got the script straight from Stern) - but why? First of all, we know that it's BS. What are the 2 things Stern has consistently said during this whole process? 1) Expansion's not on the table. 2) One of the cities is going to walk away disappointed. Now we're supposed to believe that expansion's always been an option H/B/N knew about? Yeah, right - doesn't even pass the smell test. And secondly, we know that HBN were working closely with the NBA to make the initial offer for the Kings and that the League pre-approved - so it's obvious that HBN was told all along that if they wanted a team they had to take an existing one

But from a PR standpoint, there's no way the NBA is going to admit that HBN bent them over a rail and leveraged a team from them. So this is the story they'll create to spin it ... Everyone dislikes the Maloofs already, so just throw them under the bus some more and blame all the complications on them. Say the only reason HBN fought for the Kings is because they were being conned by the Maloofs. Paint Stern as the master negotiator who was able to step in and sort everything out.

The NBA will act like "Oh, we were always going to do expansion, it's just those stupid Maloofs led HBN astray and got them mixed up with the Kings ..." when the truth of the matter is that Stern just thought he could keep HBN in play to extract new arenas from Sacto, Milwaukee, etc, but it blew up in his face and HBN just curb-stomped him.

The NBA BOG meeting is now officially underway. #NBAKings #NBASeattle

My only wonder is can the NBA make a concrete expansion promise to Seattle as long as Sac's ownership group has yet to put up 100% of their money and Sac's arena deal continues to be non-binding. Seattle has been used as a hammer to get Sac in line. It's worked up til now. But what happens when Seattle is promised expansion, and the threat is gone? Does Sac back off on it's hastily thrown together arena deal? Does Vivek and friends take 50 million off their offer? I think this might be why the NBA has urged the Sac group to put 100% in escrow.

I've been VERY guarded in my optimism on this the entire way. But I'm really starting to believe that expansion is a possibility. I've always thought it was doable, just a matter of whether or not HBN could twist the NBA's arm enough to get it. I think they are very close. Hope I'm not setting myself up for yet another disappointment. Oh well. Here we go.

And no. I really want nothing to do with a drawn out lawsuit that in the end might only get you awarded monetary damages, while forever burning bridges. To me, it's Kings or expansion. Expansion preferred. That's it.
GO SONICS!

I think in order for this last-minute expansion rumor to be true, the NBA would have to guarantee in writing that it was going to occur, for two reasons: 1) we can't trust them after their "promises" made in 2008, and 2) only a written guarantee would allow the SEA group to begin construction on an arena. A vague promise or wink-wink deal would mean that they wouldn't be able to begin the construction process until became official.

Hey, here's a thought. In view of the latest SacTown lawsuits starting up, how about give the Kings to Seattle, and give an expansion team to Sacramento next year if, and only if, the Arena deal actually goes on.

Hey, here's a thought. In view of the latest SacTown lawsuits starting up, how about give the Kings to Seattle, and give an expansion team to Sacramento next year if, and only if, the Arena deal actually goes on.

According to King 5 News Chris Hansen and Wally Walker were there to present, but no Steve Ballmer. That concerns me.

According to King 5 News Chris Hansen and Wally Walker were there to present, but no Steve Ballmer. That concerns me.

Bob Condotta ‏@bcondotta

To address questions on Ballmer, he was part of Seattle presentation in NY on April 3. These presentations are not as extensive. ...

Those were roughly two-hour deals. These are more similar to closing arguments, taking questions, etc.

Stern said it would be one last chance to state case. KJ said same thing. But that could be part of it.

I didn't notice much of anything. Again, these are not full-blown presentations like in New York.

According to King 5 News Chris Hansen and Wally Walker were there to present, but no Steve Ballmer. That concerns me.

According to King 5 News Chris Hansen and Wally Walker were there to present, but no Steve Ballmer. That concerns me.

Warriors owner Lacob asking Jennie Buss if he should be the first male owner to pose naked.



Sonics fans show up! After Stern waived to Kings fans and entered the room 20 minutes ago :X, wake up earlier boys.


More expansion speculation!

http://blog.seattlepi.com/sonics/2013/0 ... sion-team/

Blurry Pic: Hansen done with presentation. Made no comment. Group seemed relaxed, smiling. #NBAKings pic.twitter.com/MofRI8o3WR

Sounds like George Maloof & David Stern have been chopping it up this morning.

Didn't want him to go nuclear.

Exactly. I highly doubt our guys would take any sort of wink-wink for an answer. It's give it in writing, or watch us fight for the Kings.