Seems fair that if the NBA turns down the bid for the Kings that they somehow make up for the good faith effort Hansen/Balmer folks made with the non-refundable $30M. All this could be just to firm up the Sac group's offer so that there are no questions if the BoG decide to turn down the sale. Just like the Maloof's request for a firm, in writing offer sheet to them that they have as a backup offer.
This is a unique situation where a second competing offer is in play instead of a straight yes/no on a group purchasing a team. Usually the BoG just reviews a sale on its merits alone. This Sac/NBA option should have been viewed on its own merit but the owner chose not to work with the locals and the NBA is trying to save face after the disaster that was OKC/Seattle relocation approval.
I consider these recent actions just due diligence and not totally tied to how the BoG and owners are leaning as far as approving/rejecting the Hansen deal. The Stern/NBA split story could be misreading actions vs intent as well.
One more week of angst for Sonics supporters.