The Trail Blazers’ rebuild has progressed well over the past few years. Portland’s title hopes hinge on this working out, especially with a new Blazers owner looking to win.
New Trail Blazers Owner Could Be Key to Winning An NBA Title
Billionaire Tom Dundon and a group of investors have an agreement to buy the Portland Trail Blazers. The franchise has been in limbo since former owner Paul Allen died in 2018. Since then, Paul’s sister, Jody, took over the Trail Blazers. She and the trust have been facilitating the sale of the franchise per Paul’s will.
Now, Dundon and his group of investors have stepped in as the favorites. He has owned the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes since 2018 and has been the sole owner since 2021. This is a huge step for the team, as the reported sale could reach up to $4 billion.
General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups have led the team to a promising future. With Dundon at the helm rather than Jody Allen, the Blazers could unlock their potential.
The Prospective Blazers Owner Has A Good Track Record
Dundon hails from Texas, but he has run the Hurricanes like a well-oiled machine since 2018. The team is in a small market, just like the Blazers, which has always been an issue for Portland. Dundon’s potential ownership could also eliminate concerns about the franchise relocating from Rip City.
Back in 2018, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman dispelled any rumors of the Hurricanes moving. In that case, Portland should be glad that Dundon is leading the charge for new ownership. He has a good track record for keeping the team in its city and leading them to success.
This is Tom Dundon doing a 10-minute interview with a local reporter in Raleigh 11 days after he purchased majority stake in the Hurricanes
He immediately starts talking about how losing sucks and improving fan experience was his first priority
Two very encouraging signs pic.twitter.com/IL2agEeQKt
— Blazers Lead (@BlazersLead) August 14, 2025
Ever since he took over, the Hurricanes have never missed the postseason. This is even more impressive, considering the team missed the postseason for the prior nine consecutive seasons. With the Blazers’ rebuild moving towards a positive direction, the stars are aligning with Dundon’s prospective ownership.
The team has promising players like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson leading the way. The roster has many promising young players and amazing veterans. This includes two-time champion Jrue Holiday and a returning franchise icon, Damian Lillard.
A Promising Future That Could Improve Portland’s Title Hopes
The Lillard trade in 2023 altered the franchise’s future. They have amazing talent, as Cronin acquired talented players like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija. With that, they have also drafted well, including Sharpe, Henderson, and Donovan Clingan. They have Yang Hansen, who is a promising player, and he also has a huge fan base in China.
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has reached agreement to buy the Blazers, per @novy_williams, @soshnick.
Dundon's group intends to keep the team in Portland.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) August 13, 2025
Lillard’s return is also huge for the franchise, as he will have a positive impact again. He won’t be playing until the 2025-26 season, but the Blazers have a superstar on their roster again. That is just in time for the new ownership, as they will need a player to spearhead the change.
With this promising group of players, Dundon’s acquisition of the team is another positive sign. The team has a focus on a strong defense, and Cronin has already laid the foundation in the Blazers’ rebuild. With Dundon’s investment, the Blazers could improve further and become a top team.
That will take some time, but they could become a more consistent postseason team. Dundon already did that with the Hurricanes, and he could do it with the Trail Blazers as well. As long as the front office and team are in harmony with the ownership, the future should be promising.
© Soobum Im-Imagn Images
