"Not only do the Maple Leafs and the Raptors not yet
have a deal on a joint arena, but their negotiations could
still easily fall apart," according to Craig Daniels of the
TORONTO SUN. Daniels one "key piece" of reports that the
two sides have agreed to a deal is "missing: Air Canada."
Raptors VP Isiah Thomas, on the role of Air Canada which
holds the naming rights to the proposed Air Canada Centre:
"They're still the most important people." Daniels also
notes that Thomas "would not dare risk" completing a deal
with the Leafs without first finalizing his purchase of the
Raptors from Majority Owner Allan Slaight (TORONTO SUN,
5/16). The GLOBE & MAIL's James Christie writes that MLG
sources said one of the issues in negotiations between the
teams is that "a new use be found" for the site that was to
house the Air Canada Centre (GLOBE & MAIL, 5/16). The SUN's
Lance Hornby notes that both teams deny that the Raptors
will play in MLG next season "as a joint show of good will."
Hornby adds the Raptors "are contractually bound to the
SkyDome for 1997-98 and the NBA doesn't consider the Gardens
a modern enough building" (TORONTO SUN, 5/16).
