Portland’s Spending Cuts Take Center Stage as Playoff Push Continues
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The Portland Trail Blazers’ first postseason appearance in five years is being overshadowed by widespread cost-cutting from new owner Tom Dundon. The club, which hosts San Antonio on Friday with the Western Conference series tied 1-1, has reduced expenses across several departments, according to multiple reports.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended Dundon during an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, noting the billionaire purchased the franchise at a $4.25 billion valuation—one of the largest sale prices in league history.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Silver said. “The idea this guy paid one of the highest prices for a professional sports team in history and is being called cheap makes absolutely no sense to me. This guy’s a winner. He’s won in everything he’s ever been involved in, so let’s give him an opportunity.”
Nuggets–Timberwolves Series Updates
• Denver downgraded forward Aaron Gordon from probable to questionable for Thursday’s Game 3 in Minnesota because of left calf tightness, the same issue he managed late in the regular season.
• The Nuggets dismissed post-game comments made by Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels after Minnesota’s Game 2 victory. McDaniels labeled several Denver players “bad defenders,” prompting assistant coach David Adelman to joke that he “can’t wait for McDaniels’ podcast.” Forward Cameron Johnson, one of those mentioned, added, “Let them talk … we’re cool with it.”
• League executives are monitoring the series closely, league sources told The Stein Line. An early exit would be costly for either club: Denver faces the prospect of restricted free agency for Peyton Watson on an already expensive roster, while Minnesota—one of the teams that pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline—could weigh major roster changes if eliminated in Round 1.
Jazz Prioritize Offseason Retentions
Spotrac projects that re-signing restricted free agent center Walker Kessler will headline Utah’s offseason agenda. A four-year contract worth about $112 million is viewed as a realistic target for both sides. The Jazz are also expected to explore a rookie-scale extension with guard Keyonte George, while a new deal for fellow 2023 draftee Brice Sensabaugh is considered unlikely this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
