The Portland Trail Blazers are teetering on the edge of a cliff, and it’s not just because their on-court product has been a mess lately. With Tom Dundon poised to take over ownership in a deal north of $4 billion, the whispers about relocation have turned into full-throated shouts. Dundon, the hard-nosed businessman who turned the Carolina Hurricanes into a contender while squeezing every dime from Raleigh’s arena deal, isn’t hiding his leverage here. He’s made it clear that without major upgrades to the Moda Center, he’s open to packing up and heading elsewhere. Cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, or even Vancouver are licking their chops, ready to roll out the red carpet for an NBA franchise.
I’ve covered enough teams to know when the arena becomes the real star of the show. The Moda Center, pushing 30 years old, is structurally sound but screams for a facelift: better seating, video boards, sustainability upgrades, and paths to make it feel like a modern hub. Oregon lawmakers are debating a $600 million public funding package, backed by income taxes from players, performers, and even construction crews during the reno. The state would chip in bonds, Portland might tap its Clean Energy Fund, and Multnomah County could pony up via hotel and rental car taxes. But resistance is fierce. Local pols are squabbling over budgets, unions are grumbling, and there’s this nagging question: Why subsidize a billionaire’s toy when the state’s got a budget hole to fill? Bill Oram over at The Oregonian nailed it when he said this mess exposes Portland’s lack of vision for keeping big-league sports. If the bill dies by March, Dundon could bolt, echoing the Sonics’ heartbreaking exit to OKC.
On the court, the Blazers’ future feels just as murky. Their trade deadline was a snoozer, with only a minor swap of Duop Reath for Vit Krejci to add some shooting depth. That silence speaks volumes about a franchise in limbo, waiting on ownership clarity before committing to a rebuild or a push. Scoot Henderson’s return from that hamstring tear is a bright spot; he’s already flashing potential with double-digit points and assists off the bench, but with Damian Lillard eyeing a comeback next season and Jrue Holiday in the mix, the point guard spot is a powder keg. This team has talent, but without stability, it’s hard to see them climbing out of the West’s basement anytime soon.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he wants the Blazers to stay put, but that’s commissioner-speak for “show me the arena money.” Portland’s 22nd-place market rank isn’t helping, with corporate sponsors fleeing and tax woes piling up. Losing the Blazers would gut the city’s soul, wiping out jobs, tourism dollars, and the civic pride of the Rip City days. I’ve got hope that cooler heads prevail and the funding comes through, locking Dundon in for 20 or 30 years. But if not, this could be the end of an era. Portland, step up or watch your team walk.
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