NBA Ignores Maloof Brothers, Expects Kings to Stay in Sacramento

Sacramento, Calif.:  High-ranking NBA officials have decided that they expect the Kings to play in Sacramento next year, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The NBA has stated that the decision came after Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson presented a number of deals regarding the team to the league's relocation committee.

The plan, widely supported by local businesses, included details on the possible construction of a new downtown arena.

"Mayor Johnson made certain representations about community support that he had secured," NBA commissioner David Stern stated. "The committee thought it would be prudent to send an NBA task force out to Sacramento to verify those commitments.

If Johnson is able to fulfill his pledges to the league, the NBA hopes to support a long-term stay for the Kings in Sacramento. A group of NBA officials is planning to visit Sacramento in order to see if Johnson can keep his promises.

Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett was among the members of the relocation committee, the same man who was responsible for the Sonics departure from Seattle.

Despite the high possibilities of the Kings remaining in Northern California, the Maloof brothers remain skeptical.

Owner Joe Maloof told the Associated Press he was "anxious as anybody" to see if Mayor Johnson's plan could deliver.

This plan may just be the last chance for the Sacramento Kings.