NBA Ownership Moves, Contract Projections and Coaching Fallout
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Portland, OKC and Phoenix make headlines as off-season storylines continue to unfold across the league.
Blazers: Dundon’s Approach Draws Mixed Reaction
New Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon, who gained prominence as owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, has faced unexpected criticism since taking control in Portland earlier this year. Around hockey circles, however, Dundon is generally viewed as willing to spend, with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently calling him “a bit of a disruptor” whose methods are often unconventional but effective.
Thunder: Rising Costs for a Stockpiled Roster
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter another pivotal summer focused on keeping their young core together. Analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron projects that guard Cason Wallace could secure a rookie-scale extension estimated at four years and $104 million, aligning with recent deals signed by Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun. Team officials have repeatedly said they intend to retain their developing talent, but league observers point to 2027 as the franchise’s looming salary-cap crossroads.
Suns: Nurkic Reopens Rift With Former Coach
Ex-Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic reignited a long-running feud by labeling former head coach Mike Budenholzer “an alcohol addict” during a recent interview, accusing him of staging one-on-one meetings merely to antagonize players. Their strained relationship surfaced late in the 2024-25 campaign, when reports indicated Budenholzer questioned Nurkic’s attitude and called him a poor teammate. Although neither remains with the organization, the bad blood clearly lingers.
Source: Hoops Wire
