Portland Trail Blazers majority owner Tom Dundon, who finalized his purchase of the franchise last week, declined to guarantee the club will remain in Portland, telling reporters he is “looking at everything” while pushing for a publicly funded $600 million renovation of the Moda Center.
Dundon’s guarded remarks at his introductory press conference and in follow-up interviews have raised alarms among local observers. Asked why he bought the Blazers, he replied that it was “the only NBA team for sale,” offering no expression of attachment to the city.
Negotiating leverage over relocation talk
League sources told the Rose Garden Report that Dundon’s hesitation may be intended to retain leverage with Portland officials and Multnomah County as the team pursues public financing for the arena project. When The Oregonian pressed him on whether securing that funding would remove relocation from consideration, Dundon answered, “Of course.”
The ownership group’s alternate governor, Sheel Tyle—the lone partner who lives in Portland—struck a more reassuring tone. “Relocation isn’t something we’re considering,” Tyle said after meeting with Mayor Ted Wheeler, adding that negotiations on state assistance for the renovation are “full-speed ahead.”
Front-office continuity for now
Dundon told The Oregonian he expects to retain general manager Joe Cronin and team president Dewayne Hankins, emphasizing he will not make changes “for the sake of change” but will “give the people there a chance to see if they can go at my pace.”
Coaching situation remains fluid
With head coach Chauncey Billups on an indefinite leave following his arrest on money-laundering and wire-fraud conspiracy charges, interim coach Tiago Splitter has an opportunity to keep the job. “If we go win the championship, he probably puts himself in a pretty good spot,” Dundon said, while acknowledging he will likely evaluate additional candidates.
Roster strategy: star search or gradual build
The new owner reiterated his intent to transform Portland into a title contender and is open to an aggressive offseason move if a top-tier player becomes available. Dundon revealed Cronin explored a major trade at February’s deadline and said he is “probably more aggressive than most” about similar opportunities. If a star cannot be acquired, he is prepared to pursue incremental upgrades or even consider a longer-term reset.
Players endorse higher expectations
Dundon held private conversations last week with Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard, then met briefly with the full roster. He said the players “want to win” and believe the team is “ready for that next step,” noting a shared desire for “a little more structure [and] higher expectations.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
