Canzano: Pulling back curtain on Tom Dundon's charade
"This is not the city being stupid."
A source in the middle of the action at City Hall tells me Tom Dundon’s ownership group isn’t acting like it wants the Trail Blazers to stay in Portland.
“We sent them a letter in April — no reply,” said the source. “We sent them six questions in writing two weeks ago — no response. They gave a verbal response, but nothing back in writing.
“Dundon doesn’t want to put it in writing that he’s not putting any money in. He doesn’t want to say that he doesn’t want to pay rent. This is not the city being stupid. We’re trying to do the right thing.”
City officials are huddling this week. Dundon’s group has been busy planting stories with the media about how non-responsive the city has been. That raised the ire of some involved parties who tell me the city and state are more than willing to trade hundreds of millions in public investment for a long-term lease agreement.
They’d like Dundon’s group to come to the table in a meaningful way.
“These are people who are not engaged,” the source told me.
Those familiar with the playbook Clay Bennett used to get the Sonics out of Seattle wonder why NBA Commissioner Adam Silver could allow the current uncertainty to unfold on his watch. I doubt Silver is happy about what’s playing out. I also don’t think Jody Allen, the untrustworthy trustee, should get a pass.
If the Blazers leave — it’s on her.