Dominique Wilkins is interested in buying the Atlanta Hawks
Former Atlanta Hawks star Dominique Wilkins said Tuesday that he is interested in buying the team.
Wilkins was attending a press conference in which city mayor Kasim Reed asserted the Hawks will remain in Atlanta. Reed's comments come less than two weeks after majority owner Bruce Levenson announced plans to sell his controlling stake in the franchise.
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Reed said he has talked to six potential buyers, but Wilkins did not say whether he was one of them. Reed also said he will discuss the sale with NBA commissioner Adam Silver at a meeting later this month.
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
We have a vital interest as the owner of Philips Arena and the holder of the debt on Philips Arena in making sure that we get a terrific partner in the city of Atlanta," Reed said. "We also have an interest in making sure that the new buyer wants to keep the team in the city and in the city.
Let me be clear what that means ... That means that a prospective owner that receives my support, and I believe the support of the Atlanta City Council, will make a long-term commitment to keep the Atlanta Hawks in the city of Atlanta and will make a long-term commitment not to move the franchise.
A statue of Wilkins will be erected outside Phillips Arena, with the dedication ceremony taking place in March 2015.
Wilkins was a nine-time All-Star over his 12-year NBA career.
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