HoopsHype.com Rumors

Sources suggest minority owner Larry Tanenbaum may have been involved in the process of finding a suitable and significant position for Colangelo, a process that was still being finalized Monday afternoon, according to sources. What Colangelo’s role will be remains unclear but sources are adamant it won’t include the current title. However, with 18 years as an NBA executive, Colangelo would surely have some insight to offer to whomever takes on whatever role MLSE ownership has in mind; he is not expected, however, to have the ultimate say in personnel matters. Toronto Star

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Owners, Larry Tanenbaum 

Chris Hansen: I’d like to start out by congratulating Mayor Johnson and the fans in Sacramento for the tremendous effort they put together to keep their team. Given what our community went through in 2008, if there is any silver lining in this for Seattle it is seeing Sacramento’s dedicated fan base successfully rally to keep the Kings. This was never about Seattle fans versus Sacramento fans, and it goes unsaid that there is a mutual respect given the circumstances we have both been through. This process was instead about our group and our city putting our best foot forward in an honest and transparent way to return basketball to Seattle, and in that regard our efforts remain undeterred. SonicsArena.com

Sacramento Kings, Seattle, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Chris Hansen 

The Bobcats will hold a press conference tomorrow at 6:00pm ET at Time Warner Cable Arena, a source said. It is expected that Bobcats Owner Michael Jordan will announce that the team will change its name to the Hornets, likely for the '14-15 season. Bobcats officials declined to comment. The Bobcats have been studying for months whether to adopt Charlotte’s original NBA franchise name, which became available after Saints Owner Tom Benson bought the then-New Orleans Hornets in '12 and this year changed its name to the Pelicans. The Hornets played in Charlotte from '88-'02 before relocating to New Orleans. Sports Business Daily

Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan, Owners, Charlotte Hornets 

The Sacramento Kings today announced LONG LIVE THE KINGS RALLY will take place Thursday, May 23 from 5-9 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in Downtown Sacramento. Kings fans across the region are invited to join Vivek Ranadivé in his first public appearance as the team’s majority owner, along with Mayor Kevin Johnson, Slamson, Kings Dancers and special guests to celebrate the Sacramento community for its unwavering commitment to the team. NBA.com

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive 

Kevin Johnson: Excited to announce Vivek is confirmed! Lets welcome him to Sacramento! Twitter @KJ_MayorJohnson

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive 

Ramona Shelburne: Quiet weekend in Clipperland. Del Negro hasnt met with Sterling yet, source says. Expect more clarity next week tho. Twitter @ramonashelburne

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling, Owners 

Shaun Powell: With new ownership officially on board, look for the Kings to act soon on their GM and coach issues. Twitter @Powell2daPeople

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Geoff Petrie, Keith Smart, Owners, Vivek Ranadive 

In his appearance, he also joked about the Lakers choosing to hire Mike D'Antoni as Mike Brown's replacement, instead of Jackson. "I told Jeanie [Buss], she was upset for two months. I got engaged," Jackson quipped. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson, Owners, Jeanie Buss 

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced to screaming throngs of Kings fans Friday that the deal to sell the NBA franchise to a group led by software tycoon Vivek Ranadive has been signed. The announcement at a City Hall rally brings to an end nearly five months of maneuvering by Johnson to secure a new ownership group, convince the council to commit to building a new downtown arena, and to show the NBA that the capitol city of the most populous state in the nation has the fan base to make the venture successful. ESPN.com

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive 

The mayor was conciliatory toward Seattle, but said he focused throughout the negotiations on promoting Sacramento as thriving city with 19 sellout seasons, one of the longest streaks in the NBA. "Seattle is a great city and we want them to get a team. For us, it was never a competition. It was about our community telling our story," Johnson said, adding: "It's about not letting someone take something that's not theirs." ESPN.com

Sacramento Kings, Seattle, Owners, Kevin Johnson 

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has scheduled to meet with head coach Vinny Del Negro over the weekend to discuss Del Negro's fate with the organization, a league source informed CSNNW.com. According to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, says the two will meet in Los Angeles and a decision is anticipated shortly after. CSNNW.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling, Owners 

Longtime Kings general manager Geoff Petrie is not expected to be retained either after the team's 28-54 campaign, and one possible successor who would certainly bring name recognition was on hand on Thursday night. Warriors legend Chris Mullin, who called Game 6 as a television commentator for ESPN, was in the team's front office from 2004 to 2009 and said he would be open to discussing the situation in Sacramento. He has met Ranadive several times but said they had not yet discussed the possibility. "I definitely would (be interested in the job)," he told USA TODAY Sports. "But you know, it's something that's got to be the right fit. It's gotta be – they need my expertise…I'm not one of those people to go solicit it. But a guy like him, if he called me and he needed me, I'd love that." USA Today Sports

Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Geoff Petrie, Chris Mullin, Owners, Vivek Ranadive 

Mullin, who lives in nearby Danville, joked that the geographical challenges that come with their respective locations could be easily solved. "He can pick me up (on his flight from Silicon Valley), " Mullin joked. "Land his helicopter at my house." USA Today Sports

Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Geoff Petrie, Chris Mullin, Owners, Vivek Ranadive 

Tim Kawakami: Just saw Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, who wouldn't reveal how he voted in Seattle relocation turn-down... Twitter @timkawakami

Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Joe Lacob, Owners 

Tim Kawakami: But Lacob said that there should be no problems replacing Vivek Ranadive's share of the Warriors when/if Ranadive assumes SAC ownership. Twitter @timkawakami

Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Joe Lacob, Owners, Vivek Ranadive 

Sean Cunningham: Just spoke to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, said deal between Maloofs & Ranadive soon. Chris Hansen owning 20% "not realistic" #nbakings Twitter @News10Sean

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive, Chris Hansen 

Mayor Kevin Johnson arrived home today and said the group led by Silicon Valley executive Vivek Ranadive was close to finalizing a deal to buy the Sacramento Kings. "It's going to be close to being signed in the next day or two," the mayor said at Sacramento International Airport. "I'll be surprised if we get past the weekend. I feel very confident about that." Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive 

Speaking by phone, Kings co-owner George Maloof said negotiations with Ranadive are "going on fine." "These guys are good guys, I have a lot of respect for the people who are trying to buy the team in Sacramento," Maloof said. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, George Maloof, Owners, Vivek Ranadive 

Jon Santiago: KJ not concerned about any potential snags in finalizing #SacKings sale to Vivek. "This deal is done." http://t.co/HrUMgvIgI3 Twitter @itsjonsantiago

Sacramento Kings, Owners, Kevin Johnson, Vivek Ranadive 

Arash Markazi: Source I talked to said Sterling would take his time with the decision, which he has. No need to rush with VDN signed through June. Twitter @ArashMarkazi

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling, Owners