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The Atlanta Hawks were to reportedly have officially hit the open market on Monday. While the probability that the Hawks would be a candidate for relocation is microscopic at best, Chris Hanson and Thomas Tull are preparing separate Hawks to Seattle bids according to a report from Grantland's Bill Simmons.
Hearing Hawks owners want team to stay in Atlanta. BUT - hearing Thomas Tull and Chris Hansen have separate Hawks-to-Seattle bids planned.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 6, 2015
Atlanta's arena lease makes it a very expensive proposition to even think about the Hawks moving for the next few years. Still it would be a bit shocking if more of these reports don't emerge before the sale. Hansen has been the key figure behind the movement to return the NBA to Seattle. It would be foolish to think that any NBA team would become available without having Hansen's name attached to a rumor or two.
For now we are not worried, but it is worth giving a bit of attention to as the process continues to play itself out.