Steve Kerr has seen what happens when an NBA city loses its team. He hopes Portland never has to find out.
With the Trail Blazers and the city still working toward a long-term agreement involving renovations to Moda Center, Kerr said the possibility of the franchise eventually leaving Portland would be disastrous.
“Oh, that would be a tragedy,” Kerr said, via Jason Quick of The Athletic. “I mean, Seattle was a tragedy. I would hope we have learned as a league since the Seattle debacle just how important franchises are, not only to communities but also the history of the league.”
Kerr has some history with Portland himself, having played for the Blazers during the 2001-02 season.
The issue now centers on the future of Moda Center. Portland’s lease runs through October 2030, while new owner Tom Dundon has pushed for significant renovations to the 31-year-old arena.
The state, city and Multnomah County have agreed to a framework that includes $586 million in public funding, according to The Athletic, though several issues remain unresolved. Kerr said the discussion should go beyond dollars and cents.
“The brands … Sonics brand, the Blazers brand representing the Northwest,” Kerr said. “We need the Sonics back, and we need the Blazers to stay.”
That’s probably the larger point. Arena negotiations can become complicated quickly. But from Kerr’s perspective, Portland’s place in NBA history shouldn’t be treated like just another line item.
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