Tom Dundon: Keeping Blazers in Portland is ‘the priority’

Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon says he wants to keep the team in Portland. He’s also disputing a report that he privately raised the possibility of moving it.

“We are working to keep the team in Portland,” Dundon told Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic⁠. “That is the priority.”

The comments come with the Blazers and local government officials negotiating an agreement to renovate Moda Center and extend the team’s stay. The sides have targeted December 31 to complete a deal, though the existing lease runs through 2030.

According to Vorkunov, sources familiar with the discussions said Dundon privately brought up relocation with league officials and other owners. No formal relocation request was made, and the NBA reportedly pushed back, telling Dundon to concentrate on making the situation work in Portland.

Dundon denied that account. “That is not accurate,” he said.

Asked whether he had ever discussed relocation with the league, Dundon called it “not a conversation,” pointing to the four years remaining on the lease.

The distinction matters for Portland fans: There is no formal request to move the Blazers, and December 31 is not the expiration date on their stay in the city. But the arena negotiations have still left the franchise’s long-term future hanging over the conversation.

Commissioner Adam Silver has made his position clear, publicly urging the sides to reach an agreement.

“I want to be very direct about it: I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland,” Silver said previously⁠. “I’ve spent a lot of time in that community over the years. They’ve shown amazing support for the Trail Blazers. They’re some of our best fans around the league.”

Vorkunov reported that the Blazers have adopted a more accommodating approach in recent weeks following difficult negotiations over the summer. President of business operations Dewayne Hankins also said at media day that the organization was committed to Portland.

Dundon, meanwhile, isn’t treating the December deadline as an ultimatum. He said finishing an agreement by then “would be great,” but indicated the sides could continue working if they don’t get there.

“We have four years to figure it out,” Dundon said. “So hopefully we never are in that position.”