As I assess the deal that the city accepted, one thing really sticks out: The city placed a very high price on being in the NBA's good graces. Basically, winning the case and forcing the Sonics to stick around -- with its rebuilding roster and cranky local basketball environment -- was to go against the will of not just the owners, but also the dollars involved. The ready tax money, the stadium, an...

Jonathan Abrams of the Los Angeles Times: "[Elton] Brand departed for Washington on Wednesday to meet with his agent, David Falk, according to the sources. Neither he nor Falk could be reached for comment. As Brand flew, the Clippers spent much of the afternoon on the phone with Falk, according to the sources. ... He is well-received and respected within the organization, not only in the way he tra...

It's official. The City of Seattle has settled its case with the Seattle Supersonics. The Sonics have been released from their lease, and will be on their way Oklahoma City, in exchange for $45 million in immediate payments to the city. In addition, $30 million more will be paid by the Sonics owners in five years if KeyArena is renovated, and the NBA does not have another team approved for Seattle....

Shortly before Judge Marsha Pechman was to deliver a ruling on whether or not the Sonics must honor their lease in Seattle, Jim Brunner of the Seattle Times has word of a settlement: A settlement has been reached in the Sonics lawsuit, Seattle City Hall sources confirmed today. Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis and City Attorney Tom Carr briefed City Council members on the settlement today, according t...

Janny Hu of the San Francisco Chronicle: Flush with cap space after Davis' sudden exit, the Warriors have offered free agent Elton Brand a five-year deal worth between $85 and $90 million, according to league sources. ... The Clippers had offered Brand is a five-year deal worth about $70 million - about $20 million less than the Warriors. Brand, who had been close to re-signing with the Clippers, i...