NBA extends deadline for Kings' owners

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NEW YORK, April 15 (UPI) -- The NBA Board of Governors Friday extended the deadline for the owners of the Sacramento Kings to file paperwork needed to relocate the team to Anaheim, Calif.

The board, meeting in New York, voted to allow Kings owners Gavin and Joe Maloof to wait until May 2 to make their official request to move the Kings -- the second such deadline extension they have received -- NBA.com reported.

Commissioner David Stern told reporters the deadline was moved back to allow the league more time to study the details of a proposed new lease at Anaheim's Honda Center and to consider ideas presented by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for ways to generate more revenue in the Kings' current home.

Stern said the main problem remains Sacramento's outdated Arco Arena, but added: "It was a good presentation. ... So it was just felt that ... we should delve a little bit more to understand what its ramifications are."

The extension came after the Maloofs rejected the idea of selling the team to an investor who would keep them in their current home.

Gavin Maloof said the Kings were not for sale and George Maloof called the idea "hogwash," KCRA-TV, Sacramento, reported.

The Maloofs were in New York Friday for an NBA board of governors meeting. Also in attendance this week was Johnson, who said Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle was ready to purchase the Kings and keep them in Sacramento.