my guess, because I'm cynical about the GM, is that sure, she was willing to take on "astronomical salary", but what he didn't say is that he would have been sending out even more astronomical salary. Taking on 35M in salary sounds like some clue, but if Portland is sending out 41M that isn't Jody Allen agreeing to more tax as many have noted, with Portland only 1-6M below the tax line when the off-season starts (barring some trade around the draft), we'll get an immediate tell on what JA is willing to ante if Layman gets an MLE level offer. And, as many have said, her willingness to spend may pivot on what Portland does in the playoffs. If Portland loses badly in the 1st round again, I'd expect major changes and no willingness to pay tax
I don't follow. Why would that be a problem? She seems to be staying out of the way because she knows the value of the teams just keeps going up. She is worth about 20 billion. She is not strapped for cash.
Almost 23x return in 30 years. That is insane! By comparison, the stock market is up about 12.5 times in the same span.
If the owner only cares about the bottom line and is OK with mediocrity, that attitude will poison the entire organization. Winning teams aren't run by the bean counters.
Once again assuming that Olshey is telling the truth (the basis of this whole conversation), then Jody said she would pay if it made the team better. Until that changes it is a good thing not a problem.
This is why I think Jody might keep the team. I think it’s value will continue to appreciate more favorably than the market in general.
a CPA can chime in cause I could have this wrong, but I think she'll pay estate taxes when she takes full ownership and then will be able to establish a new basis. In other words, if the Blazers are appraised at 1.6B and that's the basis for the estate tax, then that same 1.6B would be the new basis for future capital gains tax
Not sure if this has been talked about but do you think there could be a sense of “Win one for the Gipper” for Paul Allen. Maybe they are going to try and go all in and win it in Paul Allen’s memory in the next couple years. He was so passionate about the Blazers it seems like an NBA championship is that one thing he could never do. Take this core, throw everything you can at it and see if you can win it in the next couple years.
That sounds correct. Of course she’ll be paying a tax on the increased value of the franchise regardless though.
Yes....but I'm guessing there are trusts and other estate tools involved to help alleviate some of that.
I was thinking the same. I would think that Jody would want to honor Paul by allowing the organization to do what is best to win while she still owns it. A Blake Griffin trade in my mind would have been a questionable investment, but if she was ok with that then she would be ok with anything. Even if Neil was BSing us on that one, I still don't think she will want to keep the team from getting better.
I think that is a possibility and Bert Koldie is very much involved and the conduit for that to happen for Paul. Just my gut feeling...
Let me attempt to make the same mistake you did. Are we finally stacking up some assets? We just acquired DJJ, a 23 year old wing who is one of the best athletes in the game, has a motor that doesn't stop and has a shot that could be made serviceable. We got RoCo who is one of the premiere 3 and D forwards in the game. We got Enes at the 5 who helped us get to the WCF two seasons ago. We picked up Giles who has great potential if he can manage to stay healthy. We brought back Melo who seems to be committed to taking whatever role gets this team wins. We think Zach will be healthy before long, which is great news. We re-signed Hoodie who by all accounts is ready to play and looks great for a guy coming off of an Achilles. Most importantly Nurk looks healthy and from the videos I've seen, in the best shape he's ever been in. We also have intriguing young prospects in Ant and Nas. Not to mention Dame (who is at least a top 10 player in the league but likely the 6th best player in the NBA). We finally have CJ who is one of the better ball handlers in the league, may have the most ways of getting buckets of any little man in the game and is one of the top three spot up shooters over the past 5 seasons. That's a lot of assets.
I don’t know, but he can get his personalized coffee mug here: https://www.google.com/search?q=ass...AQ&biw=414&bih=716&dpr=2#imgrc=6foUwSWNthRvoM