New York Islanders owner Charles Wang withdrew his $265 million offer to buy the New Jersey Nets on Thursday.
Islanders spokesman Chris Botta said the proposal was taken off the table because a deal could not be reached in a timely manner.
The sale process was held up by long negotiations on how to split up YankeeNets, the holding group that owns the team.
Botta said that the breakdown in negotiations does not change Wang’s desire to have a new arena built on Long Island to replace 31-year-old Nassau Coliseum, the home of the Islanders.
It is not out of the question that the deal could be revived.
“Never say never,” Botta said.
Cavs’ Diop has surgery
Cavaliers backup center DeSagana Diop had knee surgery Thursday and is expected to be out four to six weeks.
The 7-footer tore cartilage in his right knee during a loss last week against Memphis.
Diop, the No. 8 pick in the 2001 draft, is averaging 2.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 17 minutes. He has made three starts after making just one last season.
His improvement has been one of the few positives for Cleveland, which lost its eighth straight game Wednesday night. The 90-80 setback to the Los Angeles Clippers was the club’s 33rd straight road loss, the third-longest streak in NBA history.
Taking it in stride
Cavaliers rookie LeBron James says he’s not upset about not starting:
“The coach makes decisions; I know most of the time I’m going to be in there. I’m still trying to do what I need to do to help us win.”
Sixer sidelined
Center Marc Jackson had surgery on his right ring finger Thursday and will be sidelined for eight weeks, the 76ers said.
Extra incentive
The Orlando Magic lost its 17th straight game Wednesday night, falling to New Orleans 106-91.
Said the Hornets’ David Wesley: “When you have a team that’s lost 17 or 18 in a row, they’ve got to win one somewhere. You don’t want it to be you.”
The NBA record for consecutive losses in one season is 23, set by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995-96 and matched by Denver in 1997-98.
RESULTS, THURSDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Bulls 82 at Phila. 83
Complete coverage, Pages 1, 6
L.A. Lakers 114 at Dallas 103
Kobe Bryant had 32 points and Shaq O’Neal had 25 and 19 rebounds for Lakers, who’ve won 46 of 51 games between teams. Steve Nash’s 30 led Mavs, who lost first at home (10-1).
