Hornets Ask NO For More Money For Practice Courts

Hornets owner George Shinn said Friday night that a new, publicly financed practice facility, which was promised to him when he moved his NBA team here in 2002, will now cost as much as $20 million.

"We have a contract. We've honored our end of the contract and we fully expect the state to honor theirs," Shinn said shortly before the Hornets hosted the Seattle SuperSonics. "We're putting up the money to get our people back here and get this thing going and do our part to rebuild this city."

The city has put aside a little more than $6 million, which has sat in escrow since the move. That money will not be disbursed until the team has agreed with city and state officials on a location and design for the building.

Before the storm, delays stemmed from differences over where the building should be built. Shinn initially agreed that it should be in the eastern part of the city on land that was to be donated by the city. But, he later changed his mind, saying it made more sense to put the building on state-owned land next to the New Orleans Arena, where the team will once again play a full home schedule next season.

Via ESPN

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Hornets' Owner Says Team Exploring Trade Options

George Shinn, owner of the Hornets, said that the team is actively exploring trades.

"There's a lot of talk going on," Shinn said. "I've been through this about 20 years. Sometimes you hear stuff and you get excited and it never happens. The best thing to do is not even talk about it, just relax, and bam, something could happen. I'm just leaving it up to Jeff."

Via ESPN

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Mardi Gras Will Be Test For New Orleans' All-Star Game Readiness

This coming week will be a good test for New Orleans in their readiness for next season's All-Star game.

"If we're ready for Mardi Gras, then we're ready for the NBA All-Star Game," said Mary Beth Romig, communications director of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Via CNNSI.com

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