NoYork

Another rendering of the arena

Yesterday New York’s top court ruled in favor of the Atlantic Yards project. Bruce Ratner’s $4.9 billion dollar project can now move forward, bringing the Nets one step closer to Brooklyn. Although there is much to be done Tuesday’s ruling was positive for the Nets for a couple reasons.

First off this ruling impacted whether or not Mikhail Prokhorov would spend $200 million to own 80% of the team and 45% of the arena. With this legal victory Prokhorov will most likely move along with negotiations to become the majority owner of the Nets. This also has a major effect on the Nets appeal in the free agency game. The organization plans to play in their new arena in the 2011-2012 season, although some speculate that the arena will not be complete until June 2012.

Despite the fact that moving the Nets to Brooklyn makes them more appealing to free agents, their 0-14 start has to be hurting their chances at LeBron. Without a solid group of players and no guarantee that the Nets will move to Brooklyn before 2012, I can’t see LeBron seriously considering them as an option. The only way I think LeBron goes to the Nets is if he signs a one year extension with the Cavs after this season, then reevaluating the situation in 2011.This is a long shot at best and personally I’m glad to see another team falling out of the race for LeBron.

Read the whole article here.