Originally posted by jd:
quote:
Originally posted by gogrizz12:
If we were to get a big FA such as Brand or Marion, I think tickets will go up. Also, if we dont get shubbed in the lotttery and potentially get a high draft pick then we could get Beasley, Eric Gordon, or others. But, its time for the locals to buy the team now
The locals don't have the money to buy this team. They are not BILLIONAIRES. Heisley has the deep pockets, not Pitt Hyde and the Cates brothers. They can't afford to take the losses this team incurs, and will continue to incur. Whether you know it or not, it is a FACT that all they paid was their initial 29% ownership cost to be minority owners of the franchise when Heisley brought the team to Memphis. They have not had to incur any of the financial loss Heisley has suffered every year that he's been here. Nor do they incur them now, nor will they in the future. You can forget about any locals buying this team including Fred Smith. IF Heisley sells, it will be to some one or some group that has the "deep pockets" he has. And logic tells you they will keep it only untill the financial penalty for moving it becomes less severe. Memphis has not and can not financially support an NBA franchise. The proof has been in the pudding for over 7 years. They have lost money EVERY YEAR!
The most likely scenario is Heisley will file for relocation by 2010 or 2011. At that time his "out clause" is already written in the contract stating that, if the avg. attendance is not at least 14,000 two years in a row, he can opt out, relocate, and pay only the local owners their original investment and the relocation fee. The NBA Commissioner,his board of governers, and the rest of the NBA owners will have to approve the relocation. I doub't they would stop him from moving the team, when Memphis obviously has been given ample time to show whether or not it could support an NBA Franchise.
If you doubt me, check out the original contract. I believe it is on PUBLIC RECORD with both the city and the county.