Maloofs debunk Petrie-hot seat rumors

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On Jan. 30, word spread that Geoff Petrie was nearing the end of his tenure as President of the Sacramento Kings. There has been no official statement from the team, but the Maloofs -- owners of the Kings -- have been reportedly seeking a replacement for the long-time personnel boss.

Petrie still has one year remaining after this season on his three-year extension as team President that he got in 2009.

The Kings' future in Sacramento has been in question as they deal with funding troubles. They were ready to file for relocation last spring, but with the help of NBA commissioner David Stern, Sacramento was able to postpone the possible relocation with a new arena funding plan. But another deadline is on the horizon. Sacramento needs to produce a new arena funding plan by March 1. If one cannot be reached, the Kings will end up in the hands of Anaheim for the 2012-13 season.

The Maloofs responded to the rumors about Petrie in a text message to the Sacramento Bee, refuting any claims that his job was in jeopardy.

"No, this is not true," Joe Maloof texted the Bee. "I had heard about (the rumor). We will be fine. We have had the toughest schedule in the league by far."

Petrie is the author of a long and successful career with the Kings, but the teams has struggled since reaching the playoffs in 2005-06. Since being hired in 1994 as president of basketball operations, he has accumulated two Executive of the Year awards (1999 & 2001).

Petrie, 63, played six seasons for the Blazers. He was co-Rookie of the Year in 1971 and earned two All-star appearances.

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