Yarmuth on the Attack
Posted on Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 at 10:34 am by Brian Robinson
Greg Johns gets in touch with Richard Yarmuth.
I really can offer very little insight as to what they are going for with the case. As mentioned the damages seem so damn hard to enforce right now that I have no idea what the end outcome could be if they won the case. It’s really a stunning turn of events…
Still I’m thrilled that they are moving forward. As mentioned over and over again the first step is a new arena funding package and right now we are trying to line up all the factors for that.
The Ballmer Group is focused on the Key Arena. For all talks of another option we have to realize that for the first time in this process there are several groups who have acknowledged a common goal and are working towards it. Ballmer wants to fix Seattle Center and remodel Key Arena. The league has signed off on it, the mayor is in favor of it, and it looks like legislature will be in favor of it. We can’t splinter off and go in other directions now.
The Mayors office claims a commitment to being proactive in getting this funding and so far is living up to that. After a meeting this week I will update people.
We all have a decision to make regarding a relocated team. From my perspective I think that I can act in good conscious towards getting the arena done, then see where the team comes from. If we got into a situation where we were in the Clay Bennett seat then I think I would sit that battle out.
Thanks for all your participation. We’re also talking about a get together sometime soon. I just bought a new house so I have a lot going on. Coincidentally I got the house the day the Sonics left. Big afternoon for me.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:48 am
B to the R,
Thanks for the update. I think a party is completely necessary.
I am going to say that I wouldn’t mind Memphis or New orleans. An expansion team would be nice but starting from scratch is a hard thing and I want a team that is going to dominate OKC now.
My best fish died the day the sonics left, and I hold Clay/David fully responsible for that. The little guy was yellow with a green tail(no joke).
Anyways, looking forward to regrouping with everybody.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Brian- Thanks for the update. You seem confident we are going to get the arena funding-I hope youre right. If we end up in the position to take another team, I will not be able to support that with the exception of Memphis. I hope you dont give up because we definately cannot get any of this done without you. Thank you again for everything and I think a party is a great idea!!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Or a “get together”. Sorry got a little excited.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Go OKC Potatoes!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:04 am
How much additional $’s would be added to the project to renovate the lower bowl to make the Key suitable for the NHL? Is this even being discussed?
Might be easier to get our hands on an NHL team for the time being, especially with the current situation in Nashville.
Man - I hope we as a community don’t make the same mistake twice.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Might be easier to get our hands on an NHL team for the time being, especially with the current situation in Nashville.
- The fact that owners are already grumbling about the economic state of the NHL seems like it might not be a league worth investing big money in.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3475686
July 8th, 2008 at 11:28 am
just a thought, but if we do get a relocated team (memphis, NO…) what happens to their history? does that mean their history ends? I just want to keep our history here but what makes more sense would be that OKC would keep the sonics history and we would keep the relocated team’s history…unless ofcourese we get an expansion team
July 8th, 2008 at 11:31 am
and it looks like legislature will be in favor of it.
Based on…?
So SOS is getting back in bed with the Mayor again… swell.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am
This has great potential: OKC is, again, a temporary host city while the home city improves its viability. Schultz proves fraud (I think the settlement in the city’s suit, not to mention all the evidence gathered by the City for it, will help his case) and brings the team back to Seattle in trust for Ballmer to buy. Meanwhile, if a renovation plan hasn’t been approved (certainly there’s more pressure on Seattle to get this done now given their defense of the economic value of an NBA team in court, the prospect of Seattle Center as ghost town, and the terms of the compensation they settled for), still the burdensome lease has been broken and we’re in a better place than we were with Good-Faith Clayton, since a renovated Key, both where local players and the NBA (see Stern’s recent about-face on the matter, which, again, I think helps Schultz’s case) are concerned, is the accepted solution and not something to be dismissed, for purposes of moving the team out of town, out of hand.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Myk - 2 things on the article you linked.
First, and this is just my opinion, but Scott Burnside is an idiot and ESPN really is clueless in their NHL coverage. Again, my opinion but I don’t put a lot of stock in their “opinions”.
Second - every year since the lockout revenues (and the cap) has increased. It’s also a hard cap, not this soft cap BS that has gotten the NBA in so much trouble. If revenues go up the cap goes up, if revenue goes down the cap goes down. The cap has been going up because as a whole the league is doing well at the gate, which is where a good chunk of the revenue comes from in the NHL. There is also a good system for revenue sharing for teams that don’t spend to the cap.
All in all the league is light years ahead of where it was before the lockout where big money teams spent up to $80-$90MM in payroll and the bottom teams spent $20MM. Now the cap is $56MM and the floor is $40MM (as an example, coming out of the lockout the cap was $39MM so with the cap tied to revenues I would say based on growth they are doing pretty well). There is also more parity overall and you see teams like Pittsburgh and Washington developing and hanging onto guys like Crosby rather than seeing them walk once they hit free agency.
IMO the NHL is in a much better position than the NBA is currently and it’s not even close and this is without a sweetheart TV deal in the States. All in all the league is healthy save for a few teams in the South (Nashville, Florida, Atlanta) which could potentially be located to a better market (like Seattle!)
July 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am
You know, the more I think of this the more I feel that we and the NBA should just let the History Die.
It’s not the Sonics in OKC it really isn’t. Let their record books begin this Season. Let the Book on The Seattle SuperSonics be closed. Whatever team might come here let that be our team.
When and If Pro Ball is back in Washington, we can retire Gp and Shawn and re-retire the rest as part of the Legacy of NBA Ball in Washington. But as far as stats, history, and The Championship box it up and let it be a memory.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:51 am
too bad this arena funding stuff is a year too late
July 8th, 2008 at 11:54 am
We all have a decision to make regarding a relocated team. From my perspective I think that I can act in good conscious towards getting the arena done, then see where the team comes from. If we got into a situation where we were in the Clay Bennett seat then I think I would sit that battle out.
I completely agree, also, there isn’t a question of where a team comes from without an arena solution. Step #1, NBA quality arena.
Ross Hunter is tha answer to Dick tate’s question.
And I wouldn’t put them in bed, they may bring a whip this time.
Still, I can not remember who, but somebody told me once that there is a way to expand the footprint by changing a wall in Key Arena for the NHL, that is expensive, a new arena is expensive, at this point I would prefer to go that direction but I do not see the money for that falling out of the sky. If there is a business case for it, then that case needs to be made to the Ballmer group and the city, by those that say “let’s get it right” and have the NHL. I just do not see the public funds coming to support more, I do not see Ballmer spending money on the common area that is the public use portion in order to fit the NHL in unless the case is made to Griffin.
I am not going to fight for the NHL any more than I will for the NBA. I will agree with most, including most NBA fans, that a larger arena for things other the basketball is needed in this area. It rains here, safeco and qwerst are not the place to hold a large convention on alternate Sundays in winter, or summer.
I will say that the worst thing that is likely to happen is that we get the Key Arena remodel as proposed. Not the worst thing that could happen, just not the best.
I am intersted in the best arena possible, fill it with what you will.
Know where the RNC and DNC are holding conventions? PepsiCenter,
Arena
5 level arena.
Seating: Basketball – 19,309; Hockey – 18,007; Arena Football – 17,417; Lacrosse – 18,007; Concerts – 20,000+ depending on stage configuration; Special events – 21,000.
and
XCEL Energy Center
“Best NHL Arena”
SportsBusiness Journal/SportsBusiness Daily 2006 Reader Survey
July 8th, 2008 at 11:57 am
“Coincidentally I got the house the day the Sonics left. Big afternoon for me.”
Holy Christ man… it’s a miracle you keep your head on straight. Thanks for being the stand-up guy you are.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
If Clay truly wants to share the history I say let him take it.
That is truly a vindictive move by him instead of leaving it to Seattle and our new team he wants to rub it in our face by creating replicas.
I do not want to share anything with his team.
Whatever team we get, I say start with new history. Retire GP, Shawn, George Karl and Kevin Calabro (KC will still be our announcer, but he needs to be commemorated) as the past history of Seattle basketball and start anew.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Baker - we know the NHL is at least on the Ballmer groups radar - how serious they are remains to be seen. If the Key is renovated to include NHL capacity (basically, seating bowl improvements) it will certainly add to the cost of the project but if Clay’s Palace in Renton was going to be $350MM for the building by itself and the Key remodel was $300MM how much more can additional renovations really cost?
To me it just seems shortsighted to cut corners now. There is no longer a tenant at the Key so let’s just do it right, whether that is a renovated Key or a Memorial Stadium arena or whatever let’s look long term and not get back in bed with the NBA only with no fall back on our investment (and I say our because of the public funding component) Makes sense to me …
July 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Since all I like about hockey is the fighting, can’t we just put an octogon in the new Key?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
“too bad this arena funding stuff is a year too late”
*******
Welcome to Washington politics. It’s just like our new 520 bridge, Alaskan Way solution, Mercer Mess Solution, light rail etc etc etc.
The people in this state are so shortsighted and spineless, it’s a joke.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Might be easier to get our hands on an NHL team for the time being, especially with the current situation in Nashville.
The state of tennessee would hate us if we took 2 sports franchises from them.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I also wouldn’t mind a Indoor lacrosse team
July 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I would love to see Stern in Schultz case maybe he could explain why a 500M arena was the only solution and why a renovation couldn’t work
march 26 :
“The reason that this journey began was because KeyArena was not an adequate arena going forward and there were a lot of recommendations made for another arena … but the tax revenues and the various contributions weren’t forthcoming.I would say that as far as we know, the footprint of Key is at present time not viewed as adequate to support what’s necessary going forward.”
A group including Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has floated a proposal to buy the Sonics and pay half of a $300 million renovation plan, in the hope that the city of Seattle and state of Washington would split the remainder.
July 3:
“We understand that city, county, and state officials are currently discussing a plan to substantially rebuild KeyArena for the sum of $300 million,” Stern said in a statement. “If this funding were authorized, we believe KeyArena could properly be renovated into a facility that meets NBA standards relating to revenue generation, fan amenities, team facilities, and the like.”
hmmm…
July 8th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Lacrosse - Arena Football- NHL - Political Conventions - Shareholders meetings, etc etc etc.
Time will tell what happens but we as a community do have an opportunity to make wine out of vinegar.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Brian you said, “and it looks like legislature will be in favor of it. ”
From all the articles that I have read with quotes from lisa brown it sounds anything but a shoe in for this to pass next legislation session. They have said it does not look any better than last year, and it is not our top priority. I have become very discouraged that this will pass during the next legislation session. If you have any more insight that is not written in the paper that would be great.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
This suit might be what it finally takes to get the NBA to give us an expansion team ala Cleveland. If it accomplishes that, I’ll be satisfied. However, I think we should build an entirely new building. The settlement says Bennett doesn’t have to pay the $30 million if we get a team in a renovated Key. Could be an ironic twist, we get a team, get a new arena, and he still has to pay the $$$$$$.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Otto and Brett. Last year it was in the news here in Vancouver that Bob Whitsett was going to bring two National Lacrosse League teams to the Pacific Northwest, one in Vancouver and one in Seattle. The Vancouver franchise never got off the ground because there were outstanding debts from the previous owner(Paul Rheinhart, and ex NHL player) that somehow had to be dealt with before a new team could arrive. But I would bet money that a pro lacrosse team is just around the corner for Seattle, especially since this was to be the winter that Whitsett wanted it to start.
As for getting all amped up for a push for a new arena for the NBA, I’m with Dicktate on this one I’m afraid to say. If we’re talking about private funding then I’m encouraged, but if you’re going to go the distance dancing with your politicians on this then I hope you’ve got a ton of patience. After how they dragged their feet at every level of government I wouldn’t let this take up as much time as did the drive to keep the now departed team.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Sarcasm Alert:
Why don’t we knock down the viaduct and put a new arena there. Solving two problems at once!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’m with you DK - I see little hope in working with Olympia but if Ballmer and Griffin want to go down that road they will get my support.
I just want to see something get built - although I think private is the way to go as well. The question then becomes how you make that work at Seattle Center because that is the driving force for the Griffin Group - not seeing Seattle Center go dark.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
don’t assume that getting into the nhl is easy. there are some markets out there that have been searching aggressively for years. . . ballmer’s interest in basketball, the convergence of rhetoric on the arena, the ‘nba approval’ of a revamped key, all leads me to think that the future is a new iteration of the supersonics right where they used to be. the nhl is, i think, a red herring — although i’m a puckhead, so it’d be awesome if it happened.
but first things first. and i would have no conscience problems about a relocated team, if that’s the way it happens. if a team is gonna move somewhere, it might as well be seattle.
the sonics move to the okc wasn’t the first, and the ______’s move to seattle won’t be the last.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
What happens to the banner with Bob Blackburn’s microphone that was retired? Are the OKC Bandits taking that with them as well? Where does the madness stop? Is anything ours anymore? Squatch, T-Weedle..
These bastards will rot in hell.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
In the Schultz case, breach of contract will very easily be proven. Fraud in the inducement will be much more difficult to prove, but still a possibility. In either case, I doubt that the outcome will include the team being sold or relocated back to Seattle. However, monetary damages are extremely likely.
If Schultz is awarded $50mm in damages, he could apply some or all of that to additional arena renovations to support hockey and/or other indoor sports. Maybe he could get prime placement of Starbucks locations and advertising as a result of his investment as well.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
“If we got into a situation where we were in the Clay Bennett seat then I think I would sit that battle out.”
Jeeze, I know man, this is the moral battle that’s been playing out in my head the this last week. I can’t fathom being the immense hypocrit in taking another cities team, but if the opportunity arises, how could one not be in favor and cheer when a team returns?
Ugh, Stern has ripped my heart out and stitched it back together in a frankenstein fashion as complicated and disjointed as the economics of his sour league. Curse the man.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I would not feel bad about taking Memphis or NO at all. Those teams have zero history in those cities. Besides… I don’t see how the NBA is going to give us an expansion team, so if we really want one we are going to have to go out and get it. Isn’t that the way of the NBA now days?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
“From all the articles that I have read with quotes from lisa brown it sounds anything but a shoe in for this to pass next legislation session. They have said it does not look any better than last year, and it is not our top priority. I have become very discouraged that this will pass during the next legislation session. If you have any more insight that is not written in the paper that would be great. ”
Agreed-Brian probably knows a bit more then we are reading, but the quotes I have heard so far from politicians are very discouraging.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Key Arena cannot be expanded to accomodate the NHL. The entire building would need to come down to expand the arena bowl for hockey. The location of the building at Seattle Center is as much a problem as the lack of footprint. At the Center the city is the landlord which creates too many competing political agendas. There is no room to expand and the Center caters to families on a budget not high end spenders.
To be successful the NBA needs a shopping mall/hotel/convention complex that is busy 365 days a year. It needs high end steak houses and shopping, movie theaters and discos. This is the new NBA business model. The city needs to get out of the way and let private investors build a successor building some where other than at the Center. Personnally, I like the Pier 46 location. There we could have a very attractive venue for conventions and sports.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Poll on KJR.com…
Now that the Sonics are moving, and we’ve all had time to reflect …
Did the city give up on Seattle?
Yes
93.85 %
No
6.15 %
July 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Durant is playing.
*cry
They are killing Orlando with Durant, Green and Westbrook top scorers.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
First impression of Westbrook.
Quickest player on court.
Strong taking it to the hoop.
Fearless.
Exudes confidence.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
nba.com now no longer has seattle supersonics from its list of teams, instead it just has Oklahoma City. makes me sick
July 8th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
The Key Arena rebuild increases the footprint to 720,000. That is pretty close to what the Ford Center will be (about 756,000, I think), both are acceptable to the NBA, Key arena wasn’t to Bennett but is to Ballmer, the owner has the right to say what he will accept, the NBA has the responsibility to evaluate it to ensure that it will generate enough league revenue.
Tom Carr said on kjr this morning that the NBA would work with the city and Griffin to ensure that 300 million (not yet adjusted up) would provide the best possible revenue streams. They have agreed to work together on this.
There is a limited amount of public cash that is going into this, nobody is calculating the land value since it will not change hands, but that swatch of Key Arena land is very valuable, the whole site is, Griffin and the city know it could be great to rework the site.
There is a plan in place, altering that plan for hockey would be a tough sell, and require more private money.
For private interests they have to have a return on the investment of buying land too, not really the issue at Key Arena.
My preference is Memorial Stadium, but that is a long shot.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Congrats on the house Brian. Me too, I move on the 19th. As far as the arena renovation is concerned I’m onboard. My only concern is that they should seriously consider re-configuring the bowl for more seats and to fit a rink for the contingency if the SCI should consider the NHL as well as being a true multi-use facility.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
This is still all talk. I’ll believe it when I see it. The only guy I trust to actually do anything is Richard Yarmuth.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
remember when there was nothing that said seattle on the sonics website. well now that its moved you see oklahoma city in big letters and “okc” in at least two diffrent places.
When the settlement was reaced it was also posted on the site that the team was being allowed to move. Do you think that bennet would have alowed for it to be posted that the judge had ruled aginst them?
July 8th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
remember when there was nothing that said seattle on the sonics website. well now that its moved you see oklahoma city in big letters and “okc” in at least two diffrent places.
When the settlement was reached it was also posted on the site that the team was being allowed to move. Do you think that bennet would have alowed for it to be posted that the judge had ruled aginst them?
July 8th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
From 2006.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/282686_sonics26.html
You never know. This thing has taken so many twists and turns in the last couple of years nothing will surprise me anymore.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
On KJR, Tom Carr was asked whether the $45 million would be applied to the Key Arena remodel project creating an alternative funding source if the state does not come up with their promised $75 million. His answer was, “That is not the deal that we have.” I interpret that to mean a deal was struck with the city council. The $27 million dollar Key Arena debt will be paid off and the rest of the money will be spent on more important things if there is no Key Arena remodel project. $18 million can be used for toilets for the homeless. Now everyone has an incentive to see the Key Arena does not get expanded. I am sure the city has already spent the $18 million profit they received for selling the Sonics.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
the mayor at the press conference (I watched the rerun on the Seattle channel, took a shot for the team there). He said they would retire the debt, and that the rest of the 45 would stay at the Seattle Center. He was asked about the other 30, he quipped that he and the council would arm wrestle over that later, but he hopes it doesn’t come to that.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
People, stop torturing yourself visiting the NBA site looking to see if Seattle has been replaced by OKC. IT HAS!
July 8th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
“That is not the deal that we have.”
…
I am sure the city has already spent the $18 million profit they received for selling the Sonics.
That helps explain why they were all smiling, laughing and patting themselves on the back during the press conference.
In the Seattle City Clowncil we trust… not. Hey, who needed I-93 when we could have an ordinance stating the clowncil’s “intent” not to take a buyout? Just as good, right?
He said they would retire the debt, and that the rest of the 45 would stay at the Seattle Center.
Just not in Key Arena? Nice and vague.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
“On KJR, Tom Carr was asked whether the $45 million would be applied to the Key Arena remodel project creating an alternative funding source if the state does not come up with their promised $75 million. His answer was, “That is not the deal that we have.” I interpret that to mean a deal was struck with the city council. The $27 million dollar Key Arena debt will be paid off and the rest of the money will be spent on more important things if there is no Key Arena remodel project. $18 million can be used for toilets for the homeless. Now everyone has an incentive to see the Key Arena does not get expanded. I am sure the city has already spent the $18 million profit they received for selling the Sonics. ”
I @#&*ing knew they weren’t going to spend that money on the Key … any excuses for the City now? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
These guys are a freaking JOKE!
July 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
my guess is that they are piling money toward the rest of the site, then they ask the state to replace those one time funds so the state can claim they are not funding an arena, the city then shifts its funds to the arena. If the deal falls through then they leave the money targeted at other Center projects, they are hedging their bets.
The origins 300 million plan did not cover the debts at all, 23 million was coming out of something else to cover that loss.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Seattle may impose fee for paper, plastic grocery bags
Plastic bags. Give me a break. This stupid mayor sleeps on the job while the Sonics walk out of town but is at the ready to tax plastic bags? What a joke. Crime? Homelessness? Taxes? Infrastructure? Nah, those aren’t problems. It’s those damn plastic bags. What an idiot.
Headline and comment. There is no hope. By the way the one of the critical points on the $30 million from the PBC it must come from the state. Steve, Jim and the boys cannot contribute. Can you believe this Mayor. He agreed to this bs.
The guy has no degree. He is a loon.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Expanding Key Arena was fine when we had an NBA basketball team but now it is totally inappropriate. We need to build an arena that can handle NHL and AFL teams. It needs to be 20,000 seats and designed to last 40 years. The Center location is the wrong spot and always was. To make it profitable the venue must attract convention business and retail customers on a daily basis.
The NBA Commissioner will say what ever the owner wants him to say. They approved Ackerley’s rebuild project in 1995. They approved Schultz’s $300M remodel. They rejected the same project when Bennett did not want it. Now they approve it again because Ballmer is okay with it. It is the wrong approach and location for the community. It needs to be in Sodo and the city should never be allowed to be the owner. We need to get this turned around before it goes to far. The city is just trying to promote their own agenda of remaking the Seattle Center. They are not trying to create a first class indoor sports venue. In ten years when the ownership changes the arena will need to be redone again.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
When will the legislature vote on the Key remodel?
July 8th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I’m really questioning whether or not I want another team.
The worst part of it… OKC is going to be damn good soon and the PBC will use the resulting support as evidence that the move was the right decision.
God I really wish I didn’t care. I don’t even know where to turn right now for a new passion. This sucks so damn much.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Pathces, I tend to agree with you.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
With regards to where the team comes from, if we were to have the opportunity to pick up a team from another city, if the new owners came in and made it clear that it was their intention to move the team from the beginning I would be fine with that. But if they acted as the Bennett group did, I would feel a little hypocritical as a Sonic fan.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Patchespal Says: “That is not the deal that we have.” In reference to Tom Carrs comments on KJR.
This gets me fired up almost as much as the whole Sonic Fiasco. Under a different thread I proposed a initiative that would require money borought in from bought out leases (very general) would be used for that facilities upgrades.
WE ARE GETTING ROBBED TWICE IF WE ALLOW THEM TO NOT USE THE FUNDS TOWARDS AN UPGRADE!!!!! Any sentiment in the settlement that only allows a portion to come from the state (which we all know is difficult) is a joke. Seattle leaders know it an uphill battle so they inject a poison pill of their own so they keep the money. The 45 million should go for improvements, not the cities coffers. THIS IS ROBBERY!!!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
bjquimba:
Have you noticed that you are the only one talking about the OK players? We’ve all severed our connection with KD and the boys. They’re just not my team anymore.
I asked to be removed from the team’s automatic email and I don’t look much at the related team sites on Yahoo, SeattleTImes.com, or other places. And I don’t plan to follow those guys much. I know I will “sin” and see how they’re doing more than I will admit to, but they are now “THEY”, not “WE”. THEY drafted that guard from UCLA, and THEY will stash that athlete from somewhere in Africa. THEY chose to pay $3.6 to a young, injured center, and THEY will play some summer league games somewhere.
Ouch. That hurts.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Great to hear that everyone is in favor of a Key Arena Renovation!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Maybe the city Council can sell the movie rights to this story while they’re at it.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Oh yes, I too agree with Patches, the majority do, that idea has been discussed, agreed to, blessed, toasted to, et all, here on this blog over the past few years, on the .alt listserv, on the espn message boards last decade and likely last week.
You need land, a willing group to develop, the nba the bless it, and have have competing interests not act against you. B2 didn’t get but a few words out before they were asking for land they didn’t own from an owner that is competing for the same NBA and arena revenue stream.
The city wanted the Sonics to stay and to remodel Key Arena, or for the Sonics to completely leave the area; they got both. If a private venue was possible it would have a crane over it right now, with an NHL team in line, with somebody willing to own an NBA team waiting. Stern would be more than happy to stay in this market and stick it to the public officials if that were possible.
Slade Gordon was working on a Bellevue plan a year ago, remember. If private money thought it was a good idea a few years ago there would be an arena on that Renton site being built.
you either build it way out in the sticks (King County land set assides may go away to solve this) or you take free public lands in urban areas and public money to mitigate the bullshit. One of these is more possible (or more public) than the other.
The Seattle Center could be redeveloped very nicely, but they are not capable of doing anything without studying every detail death.
Honestly, they should sublease 3/4 of the site to an actual developer, and plant grass on the rest and go out of the real estate business, but that is not going to happen anytime soon.
Do you want an NBA arena or not?
Do you have the other money to build an NHL building or not?
Do you have a large plot of urban land or not?
If you answered Yes, no, no, then you are looking at a Key Arena rebuild. If you answered something else then where the hell have you been the past 7 years?
The reality sucks right now, whining is not making it better. Do something or be somebody. Vote for yourself next year.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I’m still skeptical about our chance at a new areana.
When you have b!tch @ss like Frank Chopp, it will be tough to pass anything without a team.
Let’s do a SOS get together.
House warming in Brian’s new house anyone?????
just kidding… but not really.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
OKC Trail of Tears
July 8th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Baker, I think we’ll be hearing more about a plan from B2 at some point while we’re all sitting on our hands waiting for the next legistative session.
Bean said their B2 firm has done further site analysis and investor searching in the past few months and hopes to step more to the fore now that the Sonics are gone.
“What this does is perhaps accelerate the process for all parties involved,” Bean said. “We’re going to continue to go down our private road and see what develops. We’ve been making progress, but we do have some concerns about the direction Mayor Nickels is talking about, going back to Olympia for public funding and refocusing on KeyArena.
“That’s not our plan. I guess it’s going to get down to who can deliver a suitable facility to the NBA and do it in a way that makes the most sense. We think we’ve got a much better approach with no tax dollars.”
But Bean’s ambitious project remains an admitted long shot, given the plan requires both NBA and NHL tenants to pencil out financially. Not to mention, he and Brown are swimming against the political stream, as city leaders are invested heavily in trying to salvage KeyArena.
“They’ve given our product zero recognition, but that’s fine,” Bean said. “We understand that game. We’re going to keep doing our thing, and we’re happy with the progress we’ve made over the last three months.”
Bean believes Seattle’s vibrant market and size make his proposal possible and that Stern will be interested once the pieces are in place.
“The NBA is very facility-driven,” he said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/369618_trial04.html
On the other hand…
The legislature rejects the Key next March. That’s plan A.
A few days ago Coz says then there’ll be a mystery plan B (also involving the legislature is some sort of fashion-he wouldn’t elaborate, just to say that plan A had the better shot).
Is there a plan C?
July 8th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I don’t see why a renovated Key Arena will not meet the needs of both the NHL and the NBA. $300M for a renovation should be more than enough to do a complete make-over. There is no debt on the Key right now so that land is free and clear. There is plenty of room to expand the footprint.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
DAMN. This just hurts…
“The reigning NBA rookie of the year donned his relocated team’s jersey Tuesday, helping Oklahoma City beat the host Magic 100-77 in a summer league matchup. Durant scored 22 points in 28 minutes, looking every bit as smooth as he did this past season with the Seattle SuperSonics.
“For love of the game,” Durant said. “I liked being out there. It was great to play with my new teammates.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_bkn_oklahoma_city_durant.html
Sorry guys, but I will never get over how the mayor lost this guy for us and the city - both on and off the court. Damn.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
any news of durant and westbrook doing well stings like hell. makes me sick to my stomach.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I intentionally avoid anything about the team now that it is in OKC. The players are now on an OKC team. That means that they are the “enemy”.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Get used to the sting folks - KD will be a superstar & Green & Westbrook will be terrific players I think.
I think on the arena…. If Ballmer & Co. are putting up the 150 million they get to decide the details like…
A. Is it a Key Remodel or a new arena somewhere else at Seattle Center or somewhere else????
B. How big will it be? Can it accomodate NHL?
They have the money - they give the money - they make those calls.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Guess Who, that’s a little extreme. The players had nothing to do with the move. In fact, some of the players spoke against it such as Earl Watson and Nick Collison. The owners of the OKC whatever should be your real enemies.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I hate seeing Durant as the enemy, I really liked the kid. Damn you Clay!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
On the Schultz law suit…. More power to Howard.
I’m tired of people bashing Howard. I give him some benefit of the doubt - Clay did lie to him - he conned him - We will never know if howard was simply selfish - or stupid - He did made a mistake when he sold to the OKC people and is now trying to do what he can to reverse that.
IF Nickels had not panicked and caved in - I think Howard’s lawsuit would have been a source of pressure on clay & Stern that would have been huge right now if the lease case had gone the cities way. If Howard wins and the judge rules a remedy that does not send the team back here - well we can simply thank the Seattle city council and Nickels for their courage and wisdom last week.
I’m glad Howard is in this - I believe this case will instill great fear in Stern - and Clay too. Somehow that leverage can potentially be used in a good way.
And IMO the reality is…. Clay did in fact commit fraud at the point of sale - he never intended or desired to keep the team here. He did breach the contract in that his arena efforts were a sham/show - he did not act in “Good Faith”. If anyone believes this - then we can at least agree that Clay is vulnerable.
The outcome if it goes to trial is simply unpredicatable - but it gives us some sweet hope.
I think every SOS fan should write Howard a letter and thank him for his efforts and encourage him to take this case the distance - to try and stick it to clay and get the team out of Clay’s hands.
Go Howard Go.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Screw the NHL. Screw Dave Bean and Fred Brown. Screw the Seattle Center. Fuggetabout all these dumbass solutions. Stop wasting our time. We have one more chance….ONE MORE STINKING CHANCE to convince the Legislature that it’s now or never. We shouldn’t even be thinking about what else to do. We have our marching orders. The Governor said she needed more time. Well she has almost a year and a half if she gets re-elected and that’s a whopping big if. No lame excuses this time Chris. There are no choices since there is only one road map.
Now nobody likes being ordered what to do. So we have to decide who is willing to genuflect for a new team. Think long term. In the next 41 years we’ll be but a memory but hopefully we’ll be remembered as the folks who sucked it up and did what needed to be done so we would have B-ball at the highest level in the Evergreen state for generations to come. We could have only a couple of lonely winters to contend with before we return to the glory days of yesterday, only this time we won’t be so quick about taking it for granted.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Speaking of Lacrosse, I heard Bob Whitsitt has his focus on landing a NLL team in Seattle. I dont know how reliable it is, so take it for what its worth.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Screw Howie! He’s more of a sell-out than Nickels.
Just listened to the Tom Carr interview…
The plan is crafted so the Ballmer Group either owns the team or else the owner of the team relocating here will have to kick in $150M. So it looks like it’s either expansion to Ballmer or else Ballmer will have to outbid any other suitors for a team coming up for sale. No owner will be relocating their team to Seattle under the terms of the Key Arena deal which blows since that was probably the most realistic avenue to get another team here.
This sucks!
Go B2!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Just listened to the Tom Carr interview…
The plan is crafted so the Ballmer Group either owns the team or else the owner of the team relocating here will have to kick in $150M. So it looks like it’s either expansion to Ballmer or else Ballmer will have to outbid any other suitors for a team coming up for sale. No owner will be relocating their team to Seattle under the terms of the Key Arena deal which blows since that was probably the most realistic avenue to get another team here.
This sucks!
Go B2!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Just listened to the Tom Carr interview…
The plan is crafted so the Ballmer Group either owns the team or else the owner of the team relocating here will have to kick in $150M. So it looks like it’s either expansion to Ballmer or else Ballmer will have to outbid any other suitors for a team coming up for sale. No owner will be relocating their team to Seattle under the terms of the Key Arena deal which kills since that was probably the most realistic avenue to get another team here.
This is one F’d up deal!
Go B2!
BTW: F Howie - the original sell-out!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Three posts in moderation - please kill the first two.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Any player who plays for the opposing team is the “enemy”. If they play for my team, they are a “friend”. One second . . . enemy. Next second . . . friend. Hopefully, we will have to face Durant, but rather have him on our team. Until then, I can only hope for the worse for him. Bad for him, bad for the PBC.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
It was digusting to see the OKC website. It made me feel more motivated and angry to say this. I am going to be blunt to all of you.
We need to ACT and stop talking too much. I understood everyone is dealing this differently. Tomorrow is one week anniversary that Sonics has been stolen from us. We need to put more pressure on our leadership to do something about the arena plan right away.
We need Brian and Steve to continue their leadership for SOS to continue fighting against the idiot leaders. Of course, when BR and SP are ready to come back from their vacation. They need to be away from this for a while and come back with refresh energy and fight in the final round to get the arena plan in work. We need to support BR and SP all the way!
We need to voice out to Ballmer group to let them know that we are supporting them. We need to tell them that we want the team back asap. I don’t know how long can I wait for Seattle to get a team from NBA.
We need to remind the NBA that it is not over.
We need to send out a mesage to Schultz that we are hoping that he will not cave in like Mayor Nickels. We need to tell Schultz to fight vigorously like Yarmuth said in PI today. We need to let Schultz team know that we support them.
We need to remind the idiot leaders in Olympia and Seattle that they better ACT and stop whining saying there is no money or whatever. Seattle is whining about tax on foam stuff. We need to remind the city of Seattle that they sold out on us. We need to request an audit on how they will spend the 45 millions. I understood that 27 millions will be paid off to the arena debt. But we need to know where the remaining 18 millions will go as it should stay in the Key Arena renovation or new arena with private funding from Ballmer or B2 groups.
We need to ACT and FIGHT to get the arena in work before Sonics lawsuit starts. Why do I say that? That will give us a better leverage to hold Clay and Stern hostage to negotigate for us to get Sonics back. Stern does not want Schultz’s lawsuit to go as he wants it gone. Stern can give a simple solution to tell Clay to sell back and NBA gives them another team right away. I do not see how the law of court ignore that Clay Bennett and David Stern has committed a crime. Even though, there is no evidence on Stern yet, but plenty on Bennett. Yarmuth will expose the NBA with no questions.
We need to ACT as soon as possible. Because we need every SOS members and guests to come and work with BR and SP. There is the HOPE to get Sonics back with Schultz’s lawsuit, if there is an arena plan in work and funded! That is the message that needs to get to NBA and Stern.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Please… Durant and Co. have been solid supporters of SEATTLE and the fans since they got here.
They are NOT “the enemy” AT LEAST until we get some other team– in which case we want to get them to come here, not piss them off.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Don’t worry about it Clint. Like every other superstar that’s come through Seattle Durant would have signed elsewhere when his contract was up. We’re officially the most tortured sports town in America.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Oklahoma City nickname Thunderbirds vs Thundercats vs
thunderoutlaws keep out brainwas off new call ThunderOutlaws.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
James-who said Durant has to be the enemy??-the players are innocent employees…It’s OK to cheer for Durant et all.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Our own home-grown superstar will give them Okies a serious beatdown on the gridiron come September. I would love to invite Clay to come tailgate with us, remember he did serve the Husky team Goat balls in the past. What a Gentleman.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
keep out brainwash off new call ThunderOutlaws.
Go ThunderOutlaws
July 8th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The land for a new arena is not the problem. The three top sites would probably be: 1. The Seattle Center owned by the city 2. Pier 46, owned by The Port of Seattle and 3. The King County Metro Bus Barn property. All three of these are owned by government agencies. The Port and King County do not want to give up their central locations even though they are in the way of the development to the south of downtown. It is not money. It is once again … politics.
The community would be better off if the remaining shipping operations were moved South to Tacoma. The bus barn could be moved to a more rural county location. Vancouver BC has a great convention center on the water. Sydney has a great Opera House on their waterfront. Seattle needs a new signature icon. I don’t like the B2 proposal, however. Give me something more conventional. The parking garages you could build on the Metro bus barn property would pay for the construction costs of most of it.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Still can’t believe our own compadre Luke hasn’t said a damn thing, at least from what I have seen. Here’s to Luke rotting in OKC, I hope they stay really, really dumb and keep him.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
For you Seattle residents here, you have a chance to make a change in the City Council. James Donaldson is running:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/370083_donaldson09.html
July 8th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Durant’s quote from yesterday.
“I just feel for the fans,” Durant said. “But I’m still excited to play for Oklahoma City and I can’t wait to get there.”
Doesn’t sound too broke up about leaving Seattle and moving to OKC.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Unless Durant is playing against the (future) Sonics, if he has a game-winning shot to take (and I’m watching the game), I’m rooting for him to make it. He’s a good dude. Hope he gets out of OKC in a few years.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Calabro speaks . . .
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/370078_moore09.html
July 8th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
socal scott - I don’t care what you think.
They are still our sonics until the shultz lady sings.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I see nothing that indicates the legislature is in favor of funding key arena and dont know where Brian is getting his info.After meeting w/ the governor ar sscc[still dont know what they told Brian and Steve] ,the legislature has always been against it and the lies of Niohols and gregoire.AND I DO MEAN LIES!!!.How could any of you trust these people!? they used you over and over.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Come on Guess Who, he previously talked about how he had bought a house here and made Seattle a home with his mom… who if you have seen the youtube video after last season’s final game, told the fans gathered at Boeing, cheerily, “I’ll see you next year”. The guy cares about basketball and winning. A positive role model. I heard he did at least one event with schoolkids in Seattle. He’s 20… and tied for a few more years to Clay… what is he going to do? I just wish he were still here…
July 8th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Love the Calabro article & Link - thanks..
Here is part of the article… great stuff by KC…
“I was embarrassed for the city,” he said. “I was enraged that our council members would sit up there and titter and laugh nervously and congratulate themselves over being part of a 41-year history being sold. I was deeply embarrassed and still am.
“I get incensed because people, particularly leadership in the town and the region, don’t seem to have the same pride in the area that I do. They sold the legacy away for less monetarily than they should have for a promise down the road of an NBA team from a league run by a commissioner that disrespected them and the region.
“What you’re doing now is going after a theoretical building for a hypothetical team. I find that failed logic.”
July 8th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
LOL, Cage.
the legislature has always been against it and the lies of Niohols and gregoire.AND I DO MEAN LIES!!!.How could any of you trust these people!? they used you over and over.
So true.
What really bugs me about this arena deal is the way it pigeon-holes Seattle into very few options. It’s a team for the Ballmer group at a renovated Key Arena or nothing. The most likely way of Seattle receiving an NBA team in the future, via an owner relocating here, is eliminated from being a possibility thanks to the $150M kicker.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
“What you’re doing now is going after a theoretical building for a hypothetical team. I find that failed logic.”
Again, so true.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Matkothanarko…… You are right - Nickels and others totally used SOS - manipulated us - toyed with us - lied to us. Just like Gregoire. I can’t give you good reasons to trust or work with them.
My guess is…. Olympia may or may not give 75 million for an arena… Who knows… but if not I suspect Ballmer & Co. Will just make it happen on their own. They have the Money and the will.
This of course is simply a current guess.
I still struggle with the whole thought of embarking on a mission that is rooted in the hope of taking another cities team - but I’m probably in the minority on that around here & realize that.
Go Howard - I am going to write him a letter thanking him for continuing his law suit and encouraging him to take it all the way.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
keep out brainwash
Truest of truths.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
DT at 10:37…
Good point. You are right. Nickels and everyone is setting this up with and for Ballmer & co..
While this may limit the options - My question is though….
If you want NBA hoops in Seattle is this not a reasonable tradeoff?
You pigeon hole things - yes - but Ballmer provides cash and motivation to get a new arena built - which is essential. He also provides a potential owner that the NBA would love to have and who is deeply committed to and connected to our pacific Northwest region. Anbd it is not just Ballmer - it is him and a few other serious Seattle area leaders with deep pockets.
Anyway - I think you make a good point - but if you want to maximize the chances for future NBA hoops around here - i think Ballmer brings positives that are likely worth that trade off.
I would also suggest - while probably unlikely - it might be possible for Ballmer & Co. to get a new arena built - but if there were another owner who wanted to keep the team and move the team here - and use the new arena - there might be a way to negotiate that at that point. Maybe Ballmer & Co would be OK with someone else owning the team if they committ long-term ot being in Seattle?
Probably unlikely - but possible???? Just tossing out ideas.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Gut-wrenching. That KC interview killed me….the death blow, if you will. Fug.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
“The worst part of it… OKC is going to be damn good soon and the PBC will use the resulting support as evidence that the move was the right decision.
God I really wish I didn’t care. I don’t even know where to turn right now for a new passion. This sucks so damn much. ”
-Agreed. It hurts bad.
“Sorry guys, but I will never get over how the mayor lost this guy for us and the city - both on and off the court. Damn. ”
-Ya I wish the best for KD but its gonna be very hard to see him succed in OK.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Alright, I’ll settle for cba team and wrestlemania.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Sometimes I still cant believe this is really happening. They are really gone. I think I would want to go to Portland when they play Oklahoma but at the same time I dont know if I could handle that. This sucks.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Correct me, is it too late for the city to withdraw the settlement? I understand they need to finalize it on August 1st? Why not we start hound the city leaders and Mayor Nickels to reconsider it? Everything has been talking trash and bad press for Mayor and the city leaders. They can withdraw the settlement, can they? I am sure because they did not finalize it yet. That is my understanding. Please correct me.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:18 am
I thought I had read a quote by Durant’s agent (who’s the same agent based in Seattle that Payton has) and he talked about how he envisioned Durant playing for Seattle again in the new Key Arena one day.
That’s pretty much the only way I would ever become an NBA fan again - Durant in his prime playing for Seattle.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:00 am
I think the Goodwin’s were referring to Durant coming as a player for another team playing the new Sonics.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:29 am
This is the part of the Kevin Calabro interview that stood out to me;
“I was embarrassed for the city,”
“I get incensed because people, particularly leadership in the town and the region, don’t seem to have the same pride in the area that I do.”
July 9th, 2008 at 4:09 am
I’ve met Kevin Calabro and James Donaldson and they are both men of sterling character. Both extremely approachable, particularly Kevin who has a wide range of interests outside of sports. He really articulated well most of our feelings at the moment. It’s true his no b.s. approach is not in line with the rah-rah NBA right now. I watched the finals and their announcers were about as exciting as a George Mikan 2 handed set shot. We can only hope the referee scandal has legs and we’re looking at a major housecleaning in the next few years. The league needs an internal flossing and that ain’t pretty.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:52 am
We have only two things going for us, Ballmer’s interest in owning a team and the Schultz lawsuit. We have no team, no arena and no political support in Olympia, King County or Seattle. I believe the pols view SOS as a group of passionate but politically insignificant sports fans who are in the minority. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way that SOS will be used by the same politicians we were attempting to work with. Nice guys finish last.
IMO, SOS needs to morph into a Political Action Committee. We need to raise money to support those candidates in the next election that voice support for our cause. If Steve Pyeatt and James Donaldson what to run for office lets support them. Let’s encourage others and identify a list of candidates running that we give endorsements, cash and an issue for the campaign. We can keep their candicies visible and alive on KJR. We will not get any action from Frank Chopp or anyone else as long as SOS is viewed as a non threatening, insignificant entity in the political world. Money and grass roots support goes a very, long ways in local politics. Just hanging yard signs and passing out literature makes a big difference. This is what we must do if we expect to be taken seriously by government leaders. If you cannot help or hurt their campaign they wlll walk over you every time.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:23 am
be somebody
July 9th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Man i tell you it sucks to see durant and co rip it up in the summer league yesterday. I just want to kick the mayor in his head right now.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:54 am
bummer….stuck in moderation.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am
If you want NBA hoops in Seattle is this not a reasonable tradeoff?
I’ve been out of town since Black Wednesday, probably a good thing, since I heard the Mayor of Seattle sold the fans down the river when I landed in Anchorage, AK. No, I don’t think this is a “reasonable” tradeoff, because the City of Seattle, now becomes (assuming you think the City and State Legislature will finally pull their collective heads out of their arses and build a new arena for “maybe” the chance to get a new NBA team at “possibly” some vague point in the future) the next leverage point for David “POS” Stern and the NBA brotherhood of owners to use as blackmail leverage against every existing NBA city if they don’t rape and pillage their local tax payers in order to provide them the next great Taj Majal of NBA facilities. The City of Seattle along with Howard Schultz had the chance to make a statement and change the way the NBA blackmails local cities and tax payers into providing them new arena’s to play in every ten years, instead the City of Seattle and more specifically the Mayor of Seattle, caved in to the NBA and SOLD OUT for nothing more than money in their pockets.
I do not believe this strategy has any better chance of succeeding to keep the NBA in Seattle or get the NBA back in the City of Seattle any faster than going through with the trials and actually gaining some leverage in negotiations against the league and Satan Bennett. I have zero faith in the City of Seattle to actually use any of the buyout money towards building a new Key Arena. I don’t believe the buyout bought the City of Seattle anything other than some more money for the City Coucil to apply toward their newest million dollar toilet project.
Congratulations Mayor Nickels, you just helped support the NBA’s greater fool theory.
I think my prior NBA entertainment expenses will be better spent in the future making an additional trip outside the State. Winter golfing in Phoenix sounds like a pretty good idea right now.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Durant’s quote from yesterday.
“I just feel for the fans,” Durant said. “But I’m still excited to play for Oklahoma City and I can’t wait to get there.”
He’s just being diplomatic. If he were talk trash he’d be fined. It’s BS the way the NBA won’t let players speak freely.