I didn't read the article but the headline has merit. Silver's answer to Highkin's question was not reassuring. Maybe it's the lawyer in him that stops him from using words like, "There is absolutely no chance the Trailblazers relocate." or something of that nature. It breaks my heart to admit but there is a nonzero chance of the NBA leaving Portland. The Fire is a not going to be any consolation. I'm going to suffer depression if that happens.
Jayne's whole premise is that if a group buys the team and wants to move to Seattle it's done. He said the other owners won't vote to stop them. I don't necessarily agree.
That's Dwight being Dwight. The owners don't want to move a stable franchise with a stupid loyal fanbase because it makes the league look unstable.
The league will not tolerate another fiasco like the Sonics one. Really bad for the brand if a team moves and pisses off a whole city or state, especially such a legacy team as the Trailblazers - 55 years in the same city and a rabid fanbase. Ballmer left the Clippers in L.A., when Seattle was still wide open and the Lakers played in their same arena. The league did backflips to keep the Kings in Sac. This team ain't going nowhere.
What about when Ballmer almost bought the kings and they denied his request to move them to Seattle..
I still think Vegas is the biggest threat. Seattle makes no sense. Basically trading places with roughly the same fanbase. Yes, Seattle is a bigger market, but it's still the PNW. It's a risky proposition. Vegas is much more alluring.
Always thought it would be cool to have a skywalk from the RG to the MC roof. Not sure if it's at all feasible but a rooftop restaurant looking over the city from there would be epic.
To me they just need to make the Grizzlies and Pelicans eastern conference teams and expand the western conference with NEW franchises in Seattle and Vegas....if they move a team to Seattle it should be the Grizzlies..then but keep the Pelicans in the east
If Vegas is so alluring, then they'd go with an expansion team instead of killing off a whole region of NBA fans (Portland/Seattle/Vancouver). That makes absolute zero sense
Seattle makes no sense logistically without the Blazers. The Northwest with two teams is a natural two-team destination for east coast teams. And a rivalry with Portland to boot. That's why Seattle will get one of the expansion teams.
This all hinges on expansion happening..... anytime soon? Mike from Locked On said it doesn't seem like it will be in the next 10 years and I tend to agree based on what has been reported.
We'll see it work out. We just got Dame back... who would have thought this would happen two years ago???
Shit they’ve already go one! T-Mobile center is pretty damn new and very nice! Don’t know why they’re building another!
Sean Highkin @highkin · Jul 15 For the record, I am very unworried about the team moving. The commissioner can't say "We won't approve a sale unless it's written into the contract that they won't move" because it kills any leverage to get a new arena when the time comes.
If a new arena is mandatory…. Bulldoze Memorial Colosseum Both MLB/NBA stadiums will be on the waterfront Bulldoze Moda and build high density housing.
Weird to be taking on contracts and adding players like Lillard and Jrue when team is for sale. I expected little movement and to be honest makes me think they have someone already lined up for the sale just working out details.
