This is just something we're putting out there after talking to a few of our own sources...
In the past few days, it was announced that Earvin Johnson was divesting himself of his shares in the Los Angeles Lakers franchise and selling them to local SoCal philanthropist and doctor, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a season-ticket holder for 25 years.
Johnson paid a reported $10 million for his stake in ownership in 1994.
The Lakers did not say what percentage of the team Johnson owned, but some in the industry report put it as high as 5 percent, which could put the value of his stake at almost $30-million.
There was talk that Johnson was interested in the Pistons and the LA Dodgers- both of which he has publicly denied to the LA Times' Broderick Turner.
But the HQ isn't dumb. We all know what denials are good for...
Johnson was also linked to a possible percentage in the Golden State Warriors, but those talks didn't go anywhere, either.
So, that brings us to Atlanta...
The team is up for sale, regardless as to what Atlanta Spirit, LLC is saying publicly. They lack the capital to compete on various levels with any and all of their properties. The HQ even knows of an investigation by a CPA firm of the value of the Spirit properties within the last year.
We know the firm and the location of the investigation...
And, no, we're not telling you...
Don't be surprised if any move involving Joe Johnson is a sign-and-trade eventually. New Thrashers GM Rick Dudley has deftly waded through the Spirit waters to create a competitive team at a little over US$46M- US$17 under the cap. Donald Brashear's US$1.4-million buyout is included in that US$46-million.
Only 11 players on the current 25-man roster have signed on the line which is dotted for the 2011-12 season, and only five of those are under a deal for anything longer than that...
If the Thrashers are in no position to make the playoffs, most of Chicago South could be dealt by the trade deadline.
The NBA desperately wants a marquee name in Atlanta. Magic has had both his theater and fast-food franchises anchored in Atlanta at any given point of his entrepreneurship. He could gravitate toward the Pistons if Joe Dumars continues to flounder in his front office post.
But the opening in Atlanta is too large to ignore...
Just letting you know...
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