Tom Dundon's ownership of the Portland Trail Blazers has been a tumultuous journey, marked by a series of challenges and a growing sense of buyer's remorse. The initial excitement of acquiring the NBA franchise has faded, replaced by a desire to exit the situation, despite the potential financial gains. Dundon's struggle to navigate the complexities of owning a sports team in Portland, Oregon, has led to a realization that this venture may not be his cup of tea.
The author highlights the irony of Dundon's situation, drawing a parallel to King George III's bewilderment in Hamilton. Just as the British monarch was perplexed by the concept of a president stepping down, Dundon finds himself grappling with the idea of selling the Trail Blazers, a decision that could bring a swift profit. The article questions whether Dundon's initial interest in buying the team was genuine or merely a strategic move, given the challenges he now faces.
The city of Portland's lease negotiations with Dundon have taken an unexpected turn, with the council's demands potentially causing further strain on the owner. The author suggests that Dundon's lack of understanding of Portland's sensibilities and his reluctance to engage with the city's business environment have contributed to the current predicament. The constant backlash over cost-cutting and arena demands has made Dundon's situation even more challenging.
The article explores the possibility of Dundon selling the Trail Blazers, citing the steep value of NBA teams and the potential for a quick profit. However, it acknowledges the logistical challenges, including the involvement of the Allen Estate and the ongoing lease negotiations. The author questions whether Dundon's partners, such as the Cherng family or Richard Chaifetz, might be more inclined to relocate the franchise, mirroring the challenges faced by Jody Allen and the Nike co-founder, Phil Knight.
The author concludes by suggesting that Dundon's ownership of the Trail Blazers has been a poor fit, and both parties would benefit from a mutual understanding. The city of Portland and its residents have endured the threat of the team's departure, and Dundon's decision to acknowledge the situation and move on could be a positive step. The article ends with a provocative idea, suggesting that Dundon's exit could be a 'something a person can, and maybe one person should, do' moment, allowing him to avoid becoming a 'cartoonishly evil figure' in the eyes of the public.
