The date is set.
The location is still to be determined.
The decision on a future home for the Sacramento Kings will be delayed after the league granted the team an extension Tuesday to file an application for relocation next season, setting up a fight between California cities for the franchise.
The Kings, already engaged in talks about moving south to Anaheim, will have the opportunity to discuss their options at the NBA Board of Governors meetings April 14 and 15. Kings officials have until April 18 to decide if they plan to relocate the team for next season, getting an extension on a March 1 deadline.
“The likelihood of them leaving is probably greater than them staying, but it’s not a done deal,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA All-Star guard.
Sacramento has struggled for years to build a new arena, which Kings owners Joe, Gavin and George Maloof argue is crucial for the franchise’s long-term financial viability. League commissioner David Stern has acknowledged the Kings have had talks with officials in Anaheim about relocating.
“I think it’s clear they (the Maloofs) are looking to try to strike or create a deal in Anaheim,” Johnson said after the extension was granted. “It leads me to believe that if they don’t get a deal, they’ll stay in Sacramento.”
Johnson has spoken with Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait.
“I’m wishing them ill will, let me be clear,” Johnson said.
Notes
• Guard Mike Bibby is expected to join the Miami Heat in time for Thursday’s game against Orlando, according to multiple sources. The Heat cleared a roster spot by parting with guard Carlos Arroyo.
Bibby, 32, and the Washington Wizards reached a buyout agreement Monday.
• Forward Al Thornton, 27, also has reached a buyout agreement with the Wizards.
• Free-agent forward Troy Murphy, 30, has decided to join the Boston Celtics rather than the Heat, ESPN.com reported.
• Ex-Boston center Kendrick Perkins, 26, got a contract extension and will make about $36 million while staying with the Oklahoma City Thunder through the 2014-15 season.
• Jason Terry, a graduate of Franklin High School in Seattle, scored 30 points to help Dallas win 101-93 in Philadelphia.
• Darrell Arthur and Zach Randolph scored 21 points each as host Memphis beat league-leading San Antonio 109-93.
• Dwight Howard collected 30 points and 16 rebounds, Jameer Nelson scored 23 of his 26 points in the second half and the host Orlando Magic outlasted the New York Knicks 116-110. The Magic trailed 58-47 at halftime.
• Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and Pau Gasol had 12 points and 17 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat host Minnesota 90-79, their fifth victory in a row.
• Kyle Lowry had 21 points and 11 assists, and the visiting Houston Rockets won their fifth straight with a 103-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
From seattletimes.nwsource.com
