Kings executives have been considering moving the team to Anaheim in California after several failed efforts to build a new venue in Sacramento, and a number of new names linked to Anaheim were reportedly registered by the franchise owners. However, Maloof told the Associated Press on Monday that the team would give Mayor Johnson more time to finalise plans for an arena. “The Mayor of Sacramento has told the NBA relocation committee that he will have a plan for a new arena within a year,” he said. “If not, the team will be relocated to another city.”
The Kings had until Monday to inform the NBA of any intention to relocate ahead of next season. However, Johnson, a former NBA star, has generated US$10 million in sponsorship pledges from the corporate community in a bid to retain the Kings, and a feasibility study for a new arena in Sacramento is scheduled to be completed later this month.
“We spent 13 years and millions of dollars to try to get an arena built,” Maloof said. “We don't have the answer. The Mayor has the answers and we're willing and able to listen. He's got to have a plan. We never want to be untruthful to the fans of Sacramento. There is a sense of urgency, and that's up to Mayor Johnson and his political team.”
Maloof said he appreciated the support and encouragement from Anaheim officials, with the city’s council having already issued the bonds needed to encourage the Kings to move, and said: “I am sure that Anaheim will have a team some day.”
However, he added: “I think it's the fair thing to do. We've always said we think Sacramento has the best NBA fans in the world. Their overwhelming show of support was incredible. But now they realise that we're giving them another opportunity and we're anxious to play basketball.”
