Thursday, July 03, 2008

NBA leaves Seattle

Clay Bennett finally found a dollar amount that would sever his contentious relationship with the city of Seattle — $75 million.

As a result, the SuperSonics are headed to Oklahoma City with Bennett leading the way, leaving behind the team name, colors and 41 years of history.

Oklahoma City will have an NBA franchise for the 2008-09 season after a settlement announced yesterday between the team and the city of Seattle, ending the clashing bond with the city that culminated in a six-day federal trial over terms of the team's KeyArena lease. The judge was scheduled to rule yesterday afternoon.

"We made it," Bennett said after stepping to an Oklahoma City podium featuring the NBA logo and the letters OKC. "The NBA will be in Oklahoma City next season."

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