Fans, analysts, players, coaches, and even some owners unequivocally agree: Seattle, WA deserves to have an NBA team. Before expansion or relocation brings another franchise to the Pacific Northwest, though, the area’s only one could apparently be on its way out. In the wake of longtime owner Paul Allen’s recent passing, Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish believes the Portland Trail Blazers are at risk of being moved upon the team’s upcoming sale.
“The clear sense I’ve received from Blazers management is that this team will be put on the block at some point,” he said, per John Canzano of The Oregonian. “I’ve been told the estate will take about five to six years to be settled. We expect the team will be put on the market.
“It’s a huge wildcard and it reminds us we can’t take anything for granted in the Rose Quarter,” Fish continued. “We have to do everything we can to make clear to a future owner that we want the Trail Blazers to stay here.”
Fish went on to say he was especially troubled because the Blazers’ lease at Moda Center expires during the same timeframe the team is likely to be sold. He also suggested that further development to the so-called “Rose Quarter,” where the arena is a fulcrum, could discourage new ownership from wanting to move the team from the only city it’s ever known.
“The clear sense I’ve received from Blazers management is that this team will be put on the block at some point,” he said, per John Canzano of The Oregonian. “I’ve been told the estate will take about five to six years to be settled. We expect the team will be put on the market.
“It’s a huge wildcard and it reminds us we can’t take anything for granted in the Rose Quarter,” Fish continued. “We have to do everything we can to make clear to a future owner that we want the Trail Blazers to stay here.”
Fish went on to say he was especially troubled because the Blazers’ lease at Moda Center expires during the same timeframe the team is likely to be sold. He also suggested that further development to the so-called “Rose Quarter,” where the arena is a fulcrum, could discourage new ownership from wanting to move the team from the only city it’s ever known.
