Anaheim Hesitant Over SuperSonics

The chairman of the company that runs the Anaheim Pond said Thursday that he thinks the Seattle SuperSonics are using Anaheim and other cities as leverage to negotiate a better arena deal.

“We’re absolutely interested when they’re serious about moving,” said Mike Schulman, Anaheim Arena Management chairman. “I think they’re thinking about being serious.

“Right now they’ve just trying to get a new deal.”

SuperSonic owner Howard Schultz said Wednesday he would consider moving or selling the team if the Washington Legislature doesn’t set aside $200 million to build the team a new home or refurbish KeyArena.

The SuperSonics’ lease ends in 2010. Schulman would not say when Pond officials last spoke with them.

“I think Seattle is getting more desperate,” he said, referring to the NBA franchise. “They need a new arena.”

Las Vegas, Norfolk, Va., Oklahoma City, Kansas City and San Jose were other cities mentioned by the team.

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