Evidence Tom Dundon wants to keep Blazers in Portland remains hard to find

No one knows for certain whether Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon wants to move the franchise.

Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report isn’t ready to say that’s the plan. He also sees increasingly little evidence that Dundon is committed to Portland.

Highkin noted that Dundon has shown little public affection for the city since purchasing the Blazers. At his introductory press conference, Dundon said he bought the franchise because someone called and told him an NBA team was available.

He later defended his refusal to contribute additional private money toward Moda Center renovations by saying he was already making a significant investment by remaining in Portland and paying its taxes.

That has done little to calm concerns.

The Blazers are seeking a larger public contribution toward a proposed $573 million arena renovation package. They also want protection from potential litigation involving a lease clause requiring the Moda Center to be maintained at a “first-class” standard.

Highkin questioned why the organization is so focused on avoiding a lawsuit that would seemingly become relevant only if it attempted to leave.

Team president Dewayne Hankins also recently criticized Portland’s taxes, business climate and “divisive political environment,” issues that existed well before Dundon agreed to purchase the franchise for $4.25 billion.

Still, Highkin believes the renovation package and a new 20-year lease will ultimately be approved. He also wrote that he remains unconvinced the Blazers will actually relocate.

The larger concern is how much damage will be done along the way.

Portland wants to keep its NBA team. Dundon wants the public to pay more of the cost. Both sides continue to negotiate, but Highkin described the Blazers’ participation as reluctant at best.

A deal remains the most likely outcome.

Whether anyone feels good about it afterward is another matter.