Could basketball be making a return to Vancouver?
Well, according to one sports gambling website, Bodog Sports, the former home of the Vancouver Grizzlies is among the favourites to land the New Orleans Pelicans at +350 (7-2), meaning if you wagered $100, you'd get $350 for a profit of $250.
Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California sit tied for the lowest odds at +300 (3-1).
With all the turmoil regarding the future of Anthony Davis and a spotty attendance record that has the Pelicans ranked 25th in the league, as per ESPN.
The Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans back in 2002 and were named the New Orleans Hornets. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the team played relocated to Oklahoma City on a temporary basis from 2005-2007 before making a permanent return back to N.O.Saints owner Tom Benson eventually bought the team in 2012 and passed away in March of 2018. Since Benson's passing, rumblings around the league have Benson's widow, Gayle, potentially selling the team with relocation in the forecast.
According to reports, Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini expressed interest in purchasing the Pelicans after the NBA took over the franchise in 2010.
With Seattle renovating KeyArena to accommodate the 32nd NHL franchise which will begin play in the 2021-22 season, the Emerald City seems to be the most viable option if the Pelicans are moved.
Since moving to New Orleans, the Pelicans have had five winning seasons (out of 17), advanced to the post-season seven times, own a career record of 610-686 and have never made it past the second round of the post-season.
The Vancouver Grizzlies lasted on the West Coast for six seasons from 1995-2001.
