by the way, my take on whether Seattle will get another team.

It's very possible, that the Grizzlies and/or the Hornets will become available and surely Seattle could easily snap one up. But this all continges on Seattle getting a new arena. Now, the NBA said they'd also accept the refurbished Key as well.

So, do I think EITHER would happen? NO.

Why

Because, to steal someone else's line, it's the scenario of the chicken or the egg; which comes first?

The NBA gave no guarantee that Seattle WILL get another team provided they build an arena or refurb Key. They only said, they'd assist, inform, and that Seattle owners would have to buy, apply, build an arena, and relocate.

Steve Ballmer, while rich, is not that rich. He's NOT Bill Gates or Paul Allen. He's a little bit richer than Aubrey McClendon (if you were to liquidate both). And really, Ballmer is not really a 'fan', he's sort of being FORCED to do this because he is the CEO of the Seattle area's most recognized company (not the largest tho, Costco and WAMU are larger). Ballmer is doing it to appease his constituents who work for him (as I do), to 'maintain' the quality of life so to say - for his employees. that's pretty much it.

I would be much more inclined, if Paul Allen were the pursuer. He has the bucks and the NERVE to make it happen, as he is an avid fan of Seattle (much like Bennett et al are an avid fan of OKC) and Paul would be even more ruthless than Bennett was regarding getting a team to Seattle. It was Paul Allen who bought the Seattle Seahawks and paid some of his own money to build Qwest Field. However, Paul bought the Portland Jailblazers a long time ago and built their arena (Rose Quarter), so unless he sells Portland or offers a trade (which is certainly a possibility), I don't see his involvement in Seattle's NBA dreams.

so, given my state's record - I think the NBA is history. We dont have a guarantee, and people here are so skeptical of that, that they wont take a chance like OKC people did; only to possibly get burned with a white elephant. Like I said, Ballmer is NOT Paul Allen, so that also has people skeptical whether the 'new' ownership would even have the guns to bring another team to Seattle.

I see the issue heated for the next leg session, but eventually dying out - unless 1) Stern promises a team or 2) Paul Allen becomes the owner via a swap with say, Shinn or the Memphins ownership [which could happen].

IMO, 2) is the BEST absolute chance for the resurrection of the Sonics. If Paul were to announce that, you can BET your bottom dollar that a new arena would be built (Key Arena would be bulldozed and a brand new Bennett style $500M palace would ensue) and the NBA would be back as soon as the building was finished and the swap was final - as surely the NBA would approve quickly.

I think that is our ONLY chance of having Oklahoma City vs. Seattle NBA games again - which would definitely be interesting this time around.

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Oklahoma City, RENAISSANCE CITY!