Christie Had "Casual" Talks With NBA About New Team in Newark

If any NBA teams are ready to split their current surroundings for better deals elsewhere, Gov. Chris Christie would welcome them to New Jersey. Chris said he's spoken to David Stern about having a team in Newark once the Nets depart for Brooklyn. Stern has said the state had its chance with the Nets.

Describing his talks with Stern as "casual conversations", Christie said he is aware of Stern's position, but added, with a smile, "sometimes people don’t say things to me that are going to make me unhappy — you know how that works."

The Nets are last in home attendance but 17th in road attendance, a disparity that won't help state officials convince Stern to bring a team to "The Rock".  The Nets control NBA territorial rights to New Jersey but under their agreement with the NJSEA, will relinquish those rights once they move to Brooklyn and won't oppose a new team in New Jersey. 

• Christie says he's had 'casual' talks with NBA on a new team for N.J. - John Brennan - The Record
• D'Alessandro: Newark's hoops renaissance should be pro-rated - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
• Governor Christie Does Not Understand Economics Of NHL And NBA - Mike Ozanian - Forbes
• Gov. Christie should seek a disgruntled NBA owner - Evan Weiner - New Jersey Newsroom
  
• Newark set for first NCAA regional - Tom Canavan - AP