Trail Blazers Fans Get Warned of New Owner Tom Dundon: “Not Someone To Be Trifled With”

The Portland Trail Blazers are poised for an intriguing 2026–27 season. After being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant is expected to form a dynamic backcourt partnership with Damian Lillard. While fans are eager to see how the explosive guard could reshape the franchise on the court, one NBA insider is urging caution over developments off it.

Since acquiring the franchise in April, owner Tom Dundon has already signalled a willingness to make sweeping changes. In addition to bringing in a new franchise cornerstone, speculation has emerged that Dundon could be considering relocating the team in the future. NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently warned Trail Blazers fans that such a possibility should not be dismissed.

"It's realistic, but it's definitely not a done deal," Windhorst said on NBA Today. "Tom Dundon is not interested, by his own words, in giving any money for this renovation. And it's a messy one. It's not a good development if you're a Blazers fan."

"Tom Dundon is not someone to be trifled with," Windhorst added. "He has no problem being blunt, no problem being unpopular, and has no connection to the city of Portland. It is a recipe for relocation. It's just not something that is going to be very clearly defined right now."

According to sources, the Trail Blazers' lease at the Moda Center will expire in 2030, four years from now. Dundon has yet to renew the lease, which suggests he is intentionally stonewalling communications.

Beyond acquiring Morant, Dundon has already overseen significant changes within the organization. He reportedly forced out longtime Trail Blazers broadcasters Kevin Calabro and Travis Demers after offering what were described as "insulting" contract terms, leaving Portland searching for a new broadcast team.

Dundon also authorized the dismissal of 70 front-office employees in April, further signaling a sweeping overhaul of the franchise. Taken together, those moves suggest he's laying the groundwork for a new era in Portland.

While nothing has been confirmed, the scale of the changes has fuelled speculation about the team's long-term future, including the possibility of relocation before the end of the decade.

Trail Blazers Initiate Ja Morant Project

Despite Damian Lillard being the most prominent Portland Trail Blazers figure, there's no denying that there's a new sheriff in town. Earlier in June, the Memphis Grizzlies decided to part ways with Ja Morant and traded him to the Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Apparently, the Trail Blazers want to do everything they can to make their new star feel welcome. Portland posted on X on Monday a contest that involves leaving a voicemail for Morant. The way the mechanics work is simple.

A fan must call (855) CALL-1-JA to leave a voicemail. The goal is to welcome Morant to the team. The best caller will win an autographed Morant jersey.

It's surprisingly one of the most unique projects we've seen in recent memory. While guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LaMelo Ball all got the traditional introductory press conference, the Trail Blazers want to go in a more interactive direction to involve fans in welcoming Morant.