NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is looking forward for the resolution of the Moda Center renovation issues between team owner Tom Dundon and Portland local politicians, claiming that it would be a "failure" if the Trail Blazers leave the city over the issue.
Adam Silver is determined to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland, claiming that he would see a potential exit as a "failure" of his own.
"It is my hope and belief that the Portland Trail Blazers can be successful in Portland, Oregon. At the same time, it is important that Tom Dundon reaches a deal with city officials and state elected officials that makes operating in Portland viable for the long term," the NBA Commissioner told reporters in his Tuesday news conference. "So that's what we're focused on.
"I want to be very direct about it: I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland. I've spent a lot of time in that community over the years, and they've shown amazing support for the Trail Blazers. They're some of our best fans around the league."
Play
Tom Dundon, Portland officials feuding over Blazers arena renovations
Portland Trail Blazers majority owner Tom Dundon has been at odds with the city's local officials for months over how much the team is willing to contribute toward renovations to the Moda Center.
To settle the dispute, city leaders offered a $586 million public funding package made up of state bonds, hotel taxes, and city funds. However, this public money requires the team to agree to strict lease rules and tax fees that Dundon refuses to sign.
This standoff has created a race against the clock, as the state's $365 million contribution will be expiring by Dec. 31.
If both sides fail to reach a deal before this deadline, the entire project will fall apart and threaten the team's future in Portland.
Adam Silver hopeful Blazers arena issues will be resolved
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes that renovations are urgently needed in Moda Center, as it currently ranks in the bottom tier of arenas across the league.
For this, he remains hopeful that Tom Dundon and city officials will resolve the dispute sooner.
"It's my hope that we can lower the temperature, honestly, a bit in these negotiations. I had an opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with Tom Dundon. He was here in New York at our meetings," Silver noted. "We did discuss the situation around Portland in one of our committee meetings with Tom. I think he was able to bounce ideas off other owners who've been through similar negotiations in other communities. I think there's some lessons to be learned there.
"But again, I'm offering myself and the league office to assist all parties there. As I said, we've had a great track record in Portland, and there's no doubt in my mind it would be a failure if we weren't able to accomplish a result that makes Portland basketball, NBA and WNBA, viable for the long term."
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.