RealGM Basketball Wiretap

D'Alessandro Compares Preparing For Kings' Interview To Being In Law School

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:49:40 EDT

Pete D'Alessandro was introduced on Monday as general manager of the Sacramento Kings.

Vivek Ranadive put his GM candidates through an extensive interview process, involving analysis of the Kings' roster, plans for both the short and long-term, as well as examples of linear and non-linear thinking.

"I had just finished preparing for my first interview," D'Alessandro said later in the afternoon, "and I got this email from Vivek. I was thinking, 'Wow, I think I need to do a lot more.' I proofed everything on the flight over, and then when I landed, I went to a Kinko's in Palo Alto and made copies. I pulled an all-nighter. I felt like I was back in law school."

Kings Offer Consultant Role To Chris Mullin

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:07:47 EDT

Chris Mullin has been offered a consultant role in the Sacramento Kings' front office.

Mullin was the top basketball executive for the Golden State Warriors from 2004-09, spending time with then-assistant GM Pete D'Alessandro.

Bringing Mullin into the front office would fuel speculation about the Kings' possible pursuit of Monta Ellis.

Ellis was drafted by Mullin in 2005.

Kings Hire Pete D'Alessandro As General Manager

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:54:50 EDT

The Sacramento Kings and Pete D'Alessandro have reached a deal for him to become general manager.

D'Alessandro beat out Chris Wallace and others for the job.

D'Alessandro was most recently with the Denver Nuggets' front office after previously working for the Golden State Warriors.

Mike Malone had some input in the process that led to the Kings' hiring of D'Alessandro.

D'Alessandro was first hired by the Warriors due to his relationship with Chris Mullin.

Kings, Rockets, Hawks Fined For Tampering

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:18:18 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have been identified as the third team fined by the NBA for tampering.

The Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks were the other two teams.

Michael Malone said that Chris Paul would "look pretty good in a Sacramento Kings uniform" during his introductory press conference.

Ranadive Purchases Another Seven Percent Of Kings

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:39:20 EDT

Vivek Ranadive and his partners secured a bankruptcy judge's approval to buy another 7 percent share of the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

Buying Bob Cook's share will increase the Ranadive group's ownership stake to 72 percent.

Chris Hansen had attempted to purchase the stake.

Larry Bird Uninterested In Kings' Job

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:34:24 EDT

Larry Bird has informed the Sacramento Kings that he is no longer interested in a front office position with the franchise.

Bird is considering a return to the Indiana Pacers after taking a sabbatical this season.

The Kings have already interviewed Chris Wallace, Travis Schlenk, David Morway, Mike Dunleavy and Chris Mullin, among others.

Kenny Smith will also speak with Vivek Ranadive about a position with the Kings, while Chris Webber has also expressed interest in a personnel job.

Kenny Smith Discussing Front Office Position With Kings

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:57:10 EDT

Kenny Smith has been in discussions with Vivek Ranadive about a front office position with the Sacramento Kings.

"We've been talking; we've been talking," Smith said. "That's all I'm going to say."

Smith is a longtime commentator with TNT and former player with the Kings and Houston Rockets. Smith has long been known to covet a general manager position.

"I've been winning my whole life," Smith said. "I've been blessed to be a winner. So whatever happens, whatever I do, I'm going to win an Emmy next year or I'm going to try to win an NBA championship or I'm going to try to win in cards. I'm a winner. I'm a winner. I've been blessed in my whole life, so I think I have a clear vision."

Kings Receive Permission To Interview Pete D'Alessandro

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:29:19 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have received permission from the Denver Nuggets to interview Pete D'Alessandro for their general manager vacancy.

D'Alessandro is currently the Nuggets' VP of basketball operations and was previously with the Golden State Warriors.

If D'Alessandro is hired by the Kings, there is a good chance Bobby Marks of the Brooklyn Nets would join him.

Chris Jent To Join Kings Coaching Staff

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:29:01 EDT

Chris Jent will join Sacramento Kings coach Mike Malone’s staff as a lead assistant, according to a source.

Jent was an assistant for Ohio State the past two seasons.

Jent is noted for improving the shooting of his players.

Kings To Interview David Morway

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:24:33 EDT

The Sacramento Kings will interview David Morway on Friday for their general manager position.

Chris Wallace, Travis Schlenk and Mike Dunleavy have also interviewed for the position.

Morway worked with Larry Bird in the front office of the Indiana Pacers. Bird has been in touch with Vivek Ranadive, though there has been no formal interview. There is little to suggest that the two would come as a package deal to the Kings.

Kings Have Talked To Larry Bird About Front Office Role

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:44:17 EDT

Vivek Ranadive has been in talks with Larry Bird about a role in the front office with the Sacramento Kings.

Peter Vecsey reported that Bird could be asking for $5 million per season and possibly a partial ownership stake in the Kings. But Vecsey also reported that Ranadive met with Bird on Wednesday, which the Bee has learned is not true.

The Kings have also been targeting Chris Wallace, Chris Mullin, Travis Schlenk and Mike Dunleavy to replace Geoff Petrie.

DeMarcus Cousins Invited To USA Basketball Mini-Camp

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:26:25 EDT

DeMarcus Cousins has been invited to USA Basketball's mini-camp in late July.

Jerry Colangelo said Cousins had "some growing up to do" when he was a member of a select team practicing against USA Basketball's Olympic team last summer.

Cousins took offense to the comments.

"You bury the past and go forward," Colangelo said. "He's invited and he's definitely on the list. New year, new summer, new opportunity."

Geoff Petrie Maintaining Key Role Up To Draft

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:25:58 EDT

Until the Sacramento Kings hire a new general manager, Geoff Petrie will maintain a key role in directing the franchise leading up to the NBA draft.

The Kings officially hired Mike Malone on Monday.

"I just told (Petrie) how much I appreciate him sticking around because he knows the draft a lot better than I do," Malone said. "He's been studying these guys ... and he also can offer great insights to the current players on our roster as to what their strengths, weaknesses are and personalities. But I'm still going to keep an open mind and form my opinion on these guys."

Chris Wallace is reportedly a leading candidate to take over as the Kings' GM.

Kings Considering Mullin, Dunleavy For GM Job As Search Opens

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:58:00 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have opened up their general manager search to Chris Mullin, according to sources.

The Kings have already interviewed Chris Wallace, Travis Schlenk and Mike Dunleavy.

League sources say there is hesitation from the Kings' ownership group to hire too many transplants from the Golden State Warriors following the decision to hire Mike Malone as head coach.

Vivek Ranadive is focused on executives who have a track record of success in the NBA's smaller markets.

David Morway, formerly of the Indiana Pacers, has also been in contact with the Kings.

The search remains "very fluid" and is expected to open up, according to a source.

A report from ESPN suggested Wallace would likely be hired.

Chris Wallace Likely To Be Hired By Kings For GM Job

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:23:34 EDT

The Sacramento Kings are likely to hire Chris Wallace as their next general manager.

Wallace was perceived as the favorite for the job and his candidacy was apparently strengthened over the weekend.

Travis Schlenk of the Golden State Warriors has also been a candidate, while Larry Bird, R.C. Buford and others apparently rebuked the Kings' interest.

Wallace, who is still a member of the Memphis Grizzlies' front office, would replace longtime GM Geoff Petrie.

Jerry West Refutes Notion Of Advising Kings

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:19:08 EDT

Jerry West is refuting the notion that he is advising the Sacramento Kings in their search for a new general manager.

West is a highly paid advisor to the Golden State Warriors, the team that Vivek Ranadive previously co-owned.

"For some reason, I've gotten two or three calls from people (wanting the job) saying that (they) want to get in front of him and could you help, and I think it's ludicrous," West said. "I sent back to them and said that in no way, shape or form am I advising him – period. I believe that if you make an obligation to someone … and my obligation is always to (Warriors owner) Joe (Lacob) and the rest of the Warriors organization, and I have no interest in helping anyone, OK? Anyone except if I can help the Warriors obviously."

West says he is endorsing Travis Schlenk, current assistant general manager of the Warriors.

Chris Wallace is a leading candidate for the position, who worked for West with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Kings have already hired Mike Malone, who was most recently an assistant coach with the Warriors.

"Chris Wallace is from West Virginia (like West), but listen, I have nothing to do with anything going on up (in Sacramento)," West said. "This is very, very annoying. It is annoying. Whoever Vivek hires, he's got to feel good about that person, and I'm not there (with the Kings)."

Brandon Triche To Work Out For Blazers, Kings, Knicks

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 20:20:53 EDT

Brandon Triche will work out for the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks over the next ten days.

Triche expects to have more workouts with other teams scheduled before the draft.

A 6-foot-4 combo guard, Triche averaged 13.6 points and 3.6 assists during his senior season at Syracuse.

Maloofs Had Previously Entertained Offer From Las Vegas Group

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:30:44 EDT

The Maloofs previously entertained an offer to sell the Sacramento Kings to a group seeking to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas.

The other two serious offers were from a buyer promising to keep the team in Sacramento and the Hansen-Ballmer group. The only firm offer was from Hansen-Ballmer.

The Vivek Ranadive-led group only came together after a deal was in place with the group from Seattle.

David Stern said he was approached months ago about the Kings by Ranadive, already a minority partner in the Golden State Warriors.

Nevada has never had a major professional sports team, which could present issues for any league to legalized sports gambling.

Sacramento Could Lose Kings If Arena Doesn't Open By 2017

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:25:33 EDT

The NBA has set "a series of benchmarks" for a new arena that the Sacramento Kings' new ownership group must meet in order to keep their team.

The NBA has the option of pulling the Kings out of Sacramento and to arrange a sale to new owners if the deadlines are not met.

The Ranadive group agreed to the deadlines in writing, David Stern said.

Stern said that he expects the group to meet the deadlines, but the owners insisted upon the agreement in case the arena project fails.

The NBA is insisting that the new arena open no later than 2017, which is actually one year later than city officials forecast.

Ranadive's group closed escrow on the team's purchase early Friday.

Kings Gauging Interest Of Larry Bird In GM Position

Fri, 31 May 2013 21:34:27 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have sent out feelers to determine whether Larry Bird might be interested in their vacant general manager position.

Bird reportedly ranks near the top of Vivek Ranadive's candidate list.

Bird stepped down as president of the Indiana Pacers last summer, due in part to health issues with his back and shoulder.

Wallace Wants To Add D'Alessandro To Kings' Front Office If Hired

Fri, 31 May 2013 18:22:01 EDT

Chris Wallace is considered the leading candidate to become the next general manager of the Sacramento Kings.

If Wallace gets the position, he will want to bring Pete D'Alessandro with him to the Kings' front office.

D'Alessandro is the Denver Nuggets' capologist and was previously with the Golden State Warriors.

The Nuggets have already lost Masai Ujiri to the Toronto Raptors this offseason.

DeMarcus Cousins Wants To Remain With Kings

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:17:28 EDT

DeMarcus Cousins does not want to be traded from the Sacramento Kings, according to multiple sources.

Cousins has had a tumultuous career to date, but has shown the talent to become one of the NBA's best big men.

Vivek Ranadive's first call after being approved as the new owner of the Kings was to Cousins.

Cousins is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Ranadive Selling 7 Percent Share Of Warriors

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:13:50 EDT

Vivek Ranadive is in the process of selling his shares of the Golden State Warriors now that he has assumed ownership of the Sacramento Kings.

Ranadive reportedly invested $30 million when the Joe Lacob-led ownership group purchased the Warriors in 2010 for $425 million.

Lacob and Peter Guber each invested $50 million, while Lacob's ex-wife's trust invested $75 million.

Erika Glazer and Bob Piccinini each invested $25 million, while a group of smaller investors were pooled together at $20 million.

The group also ran debt to the NBA at $150 million.

Source: Chris Wallace Emerges As Frontrunner For Kings GM Job

Fri, 31 May 2013 11:04:12 EDT

Chris Wallace is the frontrunner for the now vacant Sacramento Kings general manager position, according to sources close to the process.

Wallace met with Vivek Ranadive this week and the interview went well enough that it stretched into a second day.

Wallace is close with Jerry West, who has been counseling Ranadive on his early moves with the Kings.

Monta Ellis Increases Interest In Kings With Malone Hire

Fri, 31 May 2013 01:13:33 EDT

Monta Ellis can become a free agent this offseason and his interest in signing with the Sacramento Kings has increased upon their decision to hire Mike Malone, according to a source.

Ellis became familiar with Malone during their time together with the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors traded Ellis to the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2012 deadline.

Kings Hire Mike Malone On Four-Year Deal

Thu, 30 May 2013 21:59:37 EDT

Mike Malone has agreed to a four-year deal to become the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings, according to sources. The deal is worth more than $9 million with a team option for the fourth year.

Malone was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors over the past two seasons.

Malone has been an NBA assistant coach since the 03-04 season and also had stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets.

The Kings have yet to hire a general manager.

R.C. Buford Uninterested In Leaving Spurs

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:46:57 EDT

R.C. Buford has no plans on leaving the San Antonio Spurs.

“I’m exactly where I’m going to be,” Buford said. “I have no idea what kind of a list anybody has, but I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Buford has been mentioned as a target for the Sacramento Kings to run their basketball operations.

“I don’t even pay attention to it,” Buford said. “There’s no reason for anybody to be a distraction to what this (Spurs) team has accomplished.”

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bobcats Interested In DeMarcus Cousins

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:59:59 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks are three teams that have interest in trading for DeMarcus Cousins if the new ownership of the Sacramento Kings decide to part ways with their most valued asset, according to sources.

The Bobcats are motivated to turnaround their long rebuilding situation and would surely be willing to build a package for Cousins around the No. 4 pick.

Cousins would be 'Plan C' for the Mavericks if they are unable to sign either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard.

Cousins is entering the final season of his contract before reaching restricted free agency.

David Morway May Receive Consideration For Kings' GM Position

Wed, 29 May 2013 10:39:22 EDT

The Sacramento Kings may consider David Morway as a replacement for Geoff Petrie as general manager. It has yet to be determined, however, if he will be interviewed.

Morway was previously in the front office of the Indiana Pacers.

Morway was a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers' GM position last offseason.

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Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:17:02 EDT

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