According to Chuck Hayes‘ agent, The #Sacramento#Kings & #Minnesota#Timberwolves are on equal ground in attaining Hayes. #NBA#Rockets

The news comes after last night’s announcement that the Kings were “optimistic” that Hayes would sign their 4/$20 million dollar offer.

One could assume the location factor in Sacramento, close as Hayes could potentially play to his former hometown of Modesto would play a role in his decision, but if Minnesota offers a bit more on the financial side – the once assumed signing may be little more than a fallen rumor.

We’ll known soon either way.

While no franchises were officially named in the NBA’s latest offering to the Players Association, eliminating up to two of those said NBA franchises is one of the many “B-level” issues we’ve heard about recently according to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

The owners are offering a 50-50 split of revenue, but the possible elimination of two teams would cause the BRI to be adjusted with a smaller percentage for the players, sources said. The NBA also wants to be able to contract teams without consulting the union.

“B-level”, huh?

The Sacramento Kings have continually been thrown into the mix for contraction any time the the topic comes up along with a handful of other small market franchises (Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, etc) – but this is the first we’ve actually heard of the NBA using the issue as a threat/bargaining chip.

Granted, the chances of this ever seeing the light of day is quite miniscule – and again, no franchises were specifically named, but this situation continues to grow more desperate by the day and no matter how it’s sliced, it’s not good for the Kings franchise.