WILL NBA MAKE LAURIES INK DEAL PREVENTING RELOCATION?

          The Raptors will likely vote to approve the Grizzlies
     ownership transfer to Bill and Nancy Laurie, according to
     Craig Daniels of the TORONTO SUN.  There has been "some
     debate about whether a clause restricting franchise
     movement" was put into effect before the NBA approved the
     Maloof's acquisition of the Kings.  NBA Deputy Commissioner
     Russ Granik has said the restrictions on relocating placed
     on the Maloof family "mean there is some precedent for
     imposing conditions" on the Lauries.  But the Maloofs say
     that "there is no clause," and Suns CEO Jerry Colangelo has
     said that the restrictions apply only to the Las Vegas
     market.  Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President Richard
     Peddie: "I've read the Sacramento (sale) document and I'm
     99% certain there isn't a condition (preventing franchise
     movement) written into the sale" (TORONTO SUN, 10/27).