The Portland Trail Blazers are at the center of swirling rumors about a potential sale to Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes. This development has stirred up concerns about the franchise possibly moving out of Portland, especially with the challenges posed by the limitations of the Moda Center. The sale is anticipated to wrap up by March 2026, but the idea of relocation isn't sitting well with many fans, including Denver Nuggets’ head coach David Adelman.
Adelman, who has deep ties to Portland, made a heartfelt plea for the team to stay put. Reflecting on his childhood memories, he passionately expressed, “They gotta keep the team here.
They gotta find a way to do that. This is a basketball city.
The Northwest deserves two teams. That would be crushing for this community… Emotionally, I know what this place is and what it means to have a professional basketball team here.
It's not just something to go hang out at. It's something to go and be a part of.”
David Adelman was asked about his favorite childhood memories in Portland by @katywinge and it turned into an impassioned statement as to why the Blazers should remain in PDX:
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) February 21, 2026
"They gotta keep the team here. They gotta find a way to do that. This is a basketball city. The… pic.twitter.com/Gz95dpdVbN
Adelman's connection to Portland runs deep, as his father, Rick Adelman, was both a player and head coach for the Trail Blazers. With over 55 years in Portland, the team’s potential sale, valued at over $4 billion, has sparked real concerns about its future.
The combination of the arena’s infrastructure challenges and the new ownership, coupled with the lease expiring in 2030, adds layers of uncertainty. The Trail Blazers hold a unique position as the region's sole major men’s professional sports team across the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL, underscoring their significance to the city.
Despite the buzz, immediate relocation seems off the table. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has stated that moving the team is “not on the table now,” though his wording leaves room for speculation about what lies ahead. The situation remains a critical point of discussion for fans and the community alike.