Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday night the NBA is close to finalizing a deal to keep the Hornets in New Orleans with a very favorable lease, important capital improvements, intense tax benefits and a new television deal.

Stern made the comments before Utah’s game against Phoenix. He’s in Salt Lake City for a luncheon that in part will honor late Jazz owner Larry H. Miller.

Stern prefaced his comments by telling a joke, saying “soon” when asked about the Hornets’ deal.

via Associated Press