The dark cloud continues to fly above the NBA, even as conference championships are on their second week of play, and it will loom larger and become more ominous as the Sterling’s retain possession of The Los Angeles Clippers. After the public backlash hit its peak over a week ago, Donald Sterling handed over the team to his wife, Shelly Sterling. It has become clearer and clearer to see that Adam Silver  isn’t going to let the issue go to rest, until she sells the team; thankfully, Shelly has gotten the picture and is fielding offers this week.

According to TMZ, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his group of investors are early favorites to buy the team, when everything is said and done. Shelly met with Ballmer at her home on Sunday, where he pitched a competitive offer.

While Oprah Winfrey is no longer in the running, there are a number of groups that have made serious offers. Including the Grant Hill Group and Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Partners, both of which are led by ex-NBA players. The team is reportedly worth over $1 billion, but it is unclear how the Sterlings and SIlver are going to handle the particulars of the selling. We will continue covering the story as we learn more, so keep it locked to the Source.

Jimi (@Nativejimi)