As the ongoing Sonics talk about moving continues to swirl around, the final decision will rest in the hands of the state's capital, Olympia.  As most of you probably know Clay Bennett, from Oklahoma City, along with a few business partners from the city bought the Sonics – and the Storm originally, until a group of ladies bought them – and had said that if there is not a new arena built then he would move the team to Oklahoma. 

Initially, there was an idea to build an arena in Renton, in order to keep the Sonics local, but the state eventually threw that idea out when they decided they did not want to use its tax revenue for this purpose.

A local Seattle ownership group says that a plan for a $300 million renovation to Key Arena could persuade the NBA to keep the Sonics around Seattle longer.  But, as with any major deal, there is a speed bump along this road, time.  Without the nod of approval to use tax money for part of this project, time may be a major issue, and could very well run out before an agreement is decided. 

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer heads a four-man group that Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels hopes can buy the Sonics or another NBA team while also splitting the cost of a major Key Arena overhaul. Ballmer, wireless executive John Stanton, Costco CEO Jim Sinegal and developer Matt Griffin make up the quartet unveiled Thursday in Seattle's belated bid to head off franchise owner Clay Bennett's effort to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City.

But there is also another issue: Clay Bennett has not expressed any interest in selling the Sonics, especially now that in his hometown of Oklahoma City voters passed a $121 million tax package that would allow fixing up of the Ford Center to make room for an NBA team. 

Legislators in Olympia are being asked to allocate $75 million of future tax streams to this effort.  "This is a remarkable window of opportunity and one we cannot pass up," Nickels said. "Once the NBA makes the decision this team can move to another city, the rules change pretty dramatically."  Governor Chris Gregoire praised the group of local businessmen for stepping up with "what the public has been asking for all along," said spokesman Pearse Edwards.

Governor Gregoire is vital in the decision making process, but appears to not be taking it that seriously. There seem to be other pending issues that are taking priority on her list right now. "She is not making any commitments to legislative leaders, local officials or potential owners about the proposal," Edwards said. "With one week remaining in session, the governor is focused on priorities such as transportation, health care and passing a budget with a healthy surplus that meets the needs of the state." 

So what is my take on all of this – that is, considering you are interested in hearing it?  I totally agree and echo Greg Nickels' sentiments on this position.  I think we need to hurry up, or get the legislators in Olympia to appreciate the urgency that there is on this issue, and there is not any time to waste.  I don't know about you, but when I was a kid I used to imitate Shawn Kemp (his on court antics anyway), and Gary Payton and used to pretend to be them while shooting on my basketball hoop in the driveway and while playing against friends and neighbor kids.  I used to dream of one day playing in Key Arena in front of the audience.  I know that those players no longer play for the Supes, but that team is still important to me and to Seattleites everywhere, because of their rich history, which includes a national title in 1979, and a bright future that has a team full of very promising and talented youngsters. 

If there was a most important time in this whole situation, it would have to be right now.  The decisions made in the next few weeks will make or break the future of the Sonics playing in Seattle. 

Sources:
1. NWsource 



Dan Olson writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are his.