As the Sonics fight the city of Seattle in a courtroom, Hornets owner George Shinn has apparently been making a play to slip in under Clay Bennett's legs and take his franchise back to Oklahoma City. It won't work, though, says the league. Because the Hornets didn't file a proposal to move back to OKC within 45 days of the Sonics application for relocation, Bennett has exclusive rights to the market, reports Percy Allen of the Seattle Times.Given other notes Allen includes in his piece -- Shinn is fighting with local politic ans, the practice facility promised by the locals years ago is still just a blueprint -- it's clear New Orleans is not long for the NBA. This will get much more attention as February's All-Star Game approaches, and there will be a host of counterarguments (from the city and the league).
What bears watching: If the Hornets leave New Orleans in the next few years, Seattle would be the obvious best destination. But David Stern has said Seattle won't get another chance if the Sonics leave. Shinn'd be dumb not to test him. Stern can't possibly have much more patience for Shinn's antics. We could be in for some fireworks.
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