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So I've typically steered clear of arena talk in this space, instead focusing on the sports side and not the business because A1 (as in the paper's front page) is the more appropriate place to share our reporting and revelations on that front.
But in light of fan reaction to today's San Jose Mercury News report, that rule needs to be broken to offer a bit of perspective. The story indicates that there have been discussions in 'recent months' between the Kings and the HP Pavilion folks about a move. None of this shocked me, as I spent a good amount of time in February trying to verify this very information.
It's the reason I took this shot at team president John Thomas, who wouldn't call me back to confirm or deny whether he had been the one making a 'scouting' trip to San Jose to investigate the arena situation down there. I had numerous people telling me that was the case, but didn't go with it because I couldn't get it confirmed on the other end.
But eight months later, it's clear whatever talks went on there and elsewhere haven't provided a feasible new plan in a new city for the Kings. The economy and fees involved in relocating (not to mention territorial rights with the Warriors in this case) mean it's not realistic anytime soon, hence ownership's declaration to me that they're not going anywhere. It just so happens that part of the Maloofs' patience here is the result of knowing the landscape elsewhere.
No one should be surprised that they have looked into other situations, as they are still business owners in a nonprofitable situation no matter how many times they tout their love of Sacramento. But I'm of the belief Gavin Maloof was telling the truth when he said they aren't going anywhere by next season and remain patient to figure out the newest arena plan from there. The tough reality, however, is that it remains equally true that they'll eventually leave if a new arena never comes.
The NBA doesn't want its teams playing in old barns like Arco, and they likely didn't want Gavin saying what he had said to me earlier this month because putting pressure on is sometimes the only way to spark action. But that action, as I see it, isn't happening here or elsewhere by next season. The Kings are here for now and the immediate future. Everything from there remains uncertain. - Sam Amick
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