The Seattle Kraken’s majority owner, Samantha Holloway, said she is forming an investment group to pursue an NBA franchise for Seattle. Speaking with ESPN, Holloway noted that the Kraken ownership recently acquired a controlling stake in Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL club and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, bolstering Seattle’s case for an NBA return.
“The city could certainly use an NBA team, and the fans are ready for it,” Holloway said. “We are hopeful, we are working on it, and stay tuned.”
Canadian National Team Plans Without Jamal Murray
TSN reports that Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is unlikely to suit up for Canada in upcoming international events. Canada Basketball sought three-year commitments, but Murray could not promise availability for all three summers, new head coach Gordon Herbert told the outlet. “You can’t be successful in anything without commitment,” Herbert said.
Aspiration Co-Founder Sentenced
Joseph Sanberg, co-founder of the now-bankrupt green banking startup Aspiration, received a 14-year federal prison sentence. U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson labeled Sanberg “greedy” and “callous,” calling the fraud “at the zenith.” The NBA noted in a court letter that Sanberg cooperated with its investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard’s sponsorship agreement with Aspiration and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s investment. Ballmer’s attorneys opposed leniency, saying Sanberg “flagrantly defrauded” the owner.
Rookie Extension Outlook
Spotrac analyst Keith Smith projects that Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is the only 2023 draftee likely to secure a full maximum rookie-scale extension this offseason. Smith forecasts sizable, though non-max, deals for several peers: Brandon Miller (Hornets, five years, $200 million), Amen Thompson (Rockets, five years, $185 million), and Keyonte George (Jazz, four years, $152 million).
Source: Hoops Rumors
