Rank would enter involuntary bankruptcy and as a result, the NBA rejected their offer securing the franchise in Minneapolis. In the years following the attempt to relocate the Timberwolves, the New Orleans Regional Basketball Alliance sought to lure an existing franchise to the city. After completion of the New Orleans Arena, the Alliance led efforts to relocate the Vancouver Grizzlies to the city. The New Orleans bid ultimately lost out to Memphis, and by early 2002 the city looked to the Charlotte Hornets to potentially relocate to the city. The Hornets became an likely candidate to relocate following a failed referendum for a new arena in Charlotte. On May 10, 2002, the NBA voted in favor of the relocation of the Hornets to New Orleans marking the return of the NBA to the city since the relocation of the New Orleans Jazz to Salt Lake City in 1979. In November 2002, the Timberwolves made their first trip to New Orleans since the failed relocation efforts of the Top Rank group in 1994. See also Failed relocation of the Sacramento Kings List of relocated National Basketball Association teams Relocation of professional sports teams in Canada and the United States References Minnesota Timberwolves National Basketball Association controversies Basketball in New Orleans Relocated National Basketball Association teams 1994 in sports in Minnesota 1994 in sports in Louisiana