Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon has issued a public letter to season ticket holders on the eve of the team's preseason opener, declaring his commitment to delivering a championship to the city. The letter, sent Tuesday evening and obtained by several local media outlets, marks Dundon's first extensive public statement since controversies began mounting around his ownership.
'My intention here is clear: bring a championship to Portland,' Dundon wrote in the message addressed to season ticket members. The Rose Garden Report's Sean Highkin noted that portions of the letter appeared to be AI-generated.
Dundon, who purchased the franchise for 4.25 billion dollars in March, used the letter to highlight last season's achievements. The Blazers finished above .500 and returned to the playoffs for the first time in five years. He praised the development of All-Star forward Deni Avdija, emerging defenders Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan, and former third overall pick Scoot Henderson, while acknowledging contributions from veterans Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III.
The owner emphasized Portland's blockbuster offseason acquisition of two-time All-Star Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies, describing him as one of the league's most explosive talents. He also highlighted the anticipated return of franchise icon Damian Lillard, who missed last season recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, and the hiring of new head coach Micah Nori.
'The expectation is straightforward: compete every night and take another step forward. No shortcuts,' the letter stated.
However, Dundon's tenure has been marked by cost-cutting measures that have drawn widespread criticism. The billionaire, who built his wealth through subprime auto lending and owns the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, has faced backlash for reducing player travel and accommodation expenses during the first-round playoff series against San Antonio and laying off dozens of staff members after the season concluded.
Additional controversy emerged over his approach to hiring. Reports indicated he made lowball offers to coaching candidates and legendary broadcaster Kevin Calabro. Nori's eventual hiring came with just one guaranteed year, a contract structure that drew sharp criticism from NBA coaching circles. The organization also hired and dismissed 29-year-old broadcaster Braiden Bell within 24 hours after offensive tweets from his teenage years resurfaced.
These incidents have unfolded against the backdrop of tense negotiations with local officials regarding major renovations to the city-owned Moda Center and a proposed 20-year lease extension through 2050. The team has taken a hardline stance, insisting taxpayers cover the full renovation costs and criticizing Portland's business climate as stagnant.
Such rhetoric has fueled fears among fans that Dundon might relocate the franchise, similar to how Clay Bennett moved the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008. An anonymous team source told The Oregonian in July that relocation wouldn't result in financial losses and could potentially double the team's valuation despite relocation fees reaching a billion dollars.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the situation following last month's Board of Governors meeting, expressing hope to lower the temperature in negotiations and stating that losing the team would represent a failure.
In his letter, Dundon addressed the arena situation without making definitive commitments. 'On the arena, our focus is the long term. We're working to make sure Moda Center remains one of the best buildings in the NBA. There's work ahead, and we'll keep pushing until we get there.'
He concluded by acknowledging his continuing education about Portland and its fanbase while drawing parallels to his experience with the Hurricanes' recent Stanley Cup victory. 'I don't believe in making promises I can't back up. My track record speaks for itself, and my intention here is clear: bring a championship to Portland.'
The Trail Blazers will open their regular season on October 21st against the Phoenix Suns.
