What happened: Tom Dundon said he is working to keep the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland amid negotiations with local officials over a new lease tied to refurbishing the Moda Center. The comments address relocation speculation that surfaced while those lease terms remain unresolved.

Why it matters: The lease outcome determines the franchise's long-term home and the funding path for the $600M Moda Center plan. Resolution before the Oct. 21 home opener against Phoenix would remove an offseason distraction entering the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Attention turns to whether the sides finalize lease terms and set a refurbishment timeline.