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Blazers' sale deal signed, governors' approval next

Sat Sep 13 10:39am ET
Field Level Media

A group led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has reached a formal agreement to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers from the estate of Paul Allen, a deal that will require approval from the NBA board of governors to become official.

The Trail Blazers announced the agreement on Friday. The Oregonian reported the transaction values the franchise at $4.25 billion.

Under the agreement, the team will remain in Portland.

At least two members of the ownership group have connections to Oregon. Sheel Tyle is the founder of Collective Global, based in Portland. And Peggy Cherng, part of the family that owns Panda Express restaurants, attended Oregon State.


No date has been scheduled for the NBA governors to vote, but the closing date for the sale is set for no later than March 31, 2026.

The Dondon group has a task ahead of it -- rebuilding the team and figuring out its arena situation.

The Blazers, once a perennial playoff participant, are 117-211 (.357) under head coach Chauncey Billups over the past four seasons. Their only NBA championship came in 1977 with Bill Walton at center and Jack Ramsay as their head coach.

The home Moda Center, which opened in 1995, also is in need of renovation or replacement and is seen as the centerpiece of the revitalization of the Rose Quarter section of the city.

Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the Trail Blazers for $70 million in 1988. He died in 2018, with his will directing his estate to sell the team to fund philanthropic efforts.

Allen's estate also owns the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and a 25 percent stake in the Seattle Sounders of MLS.

Player Notes
Tosan Evbuomwan Wed Sep 17 4:20pm

Forward Tosan Evbuomwan has agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The 24-year-old showed some decent numbers with the Brooklyn Nets last season but was waived by the team in August. Across 28 outings, Evbuomwan averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 23.8 minutes. Evbuomwan has also seen action in the league with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, making 45 total appearances. In training camp, Evbuomwan will compete for one of New York's two-way spots on the roster.

Trey Jemison Wed Sep 17 6:50am

Center Trey Jemison III has signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old big man made his NBA debut during the 2023-24 campaign but has already joined his fifth NBA organization. Last season, Jemison III played 38 contests with the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers, recording 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per game. Overall, he has averaged 4.2 points and 3.8 boards across 63 career games. Jemison III will add depth to the Knicks' frontcourt, which includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Guerschon Yabusele.

Matt Ryan Wed Sep 17 6:30am

Forward Matt Ryan has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks. The New York native will hope to start a second consecutive season with the Knicks. In 2024-25, Ryan made 19 appearances with the team before being waived in March. Over his four-year NBA career, Ryan has suited up for five teams. He's mostly been limited to a third-string role, posting 3.7 points in 9.4 minutes per game. Ryan is a good shooter, having knocked down 40.2 percent of his threes in the NBA, but this alone isn't enough to secure a regular role on a team.

Alex Len Wed Sep 17 6:20am

The New York Knicks have brought in center Alex Len for training camp on an Exhibit 9 contract. Len has played nearly 700 NBA games and would add valuable experience and a physical presence to the Knicks if he makes the team. The Ukrainian big man split last season between the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 1.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.3 minutes. He's been limited to fewer than 10 minutes per game for three consecutive campaigns and shouldn't be expected to be a fantasy factor.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Wed Sep 17 6:10am

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is set to play a significant offensive role on his new team. "The Hawks' coaching staff has worked closely with Alexander-Walker in Toronto ahead of taking on a more expanded offensive role than he held with the Minnesota Timberwolves," Grant Afseth of RG reports. Alexander-Walker has mostly been known for his defense so far during his career, averaging only 8.8 points and 2.3 assists in 20.8 minutes. However, it looks like he will have the ball more in his hands in Atlanta. Afseth mentions that Alexander-Walker will likely have "consistent ball-handling responsibilities" alongside another new member of the team, Luke Kennard. This could lead to a breakout campaign for Alexander-Walker from a fantasy perspective.

Thomas Sorber Wed Sep 17 6:00am

Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber (knee) underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder Wire reports. The young big man suffered the injury a few weeks ago during an offseason workout. Sorber was the 15th pick in this year's draft after a strong year at Georgetown. His 2024-25 season ended early due to foot surgery, so he's had some tough luck with injuries this calendar year. Tuesday's knee surgery means Sorber will miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. He is expected to be healthy and ready for the next season.

Kai Jones Tue Sep 16 6:20am

Forward/center Kai Jones will kick off the 2025-26 season in Europe, having agreed to a one-year deal with two-time EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes. Jones enjoyed a solid finish to last season, averaging 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds over a 12-game stretch with the Dallas Mavericks. He was linked with the Miami Heat during the offseason and even had a workout with the team. Jones' contract with Anadolu Efes reportedly includes an NBA out clause for January, so there's a chance we'll still see him in action in the Association this season.

Bones Hyland Tue Sep 16 6:10am

Guard Bones Hyland has officially rejoined the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2024-25, he spent the last couple of months of the season with the Timberwolves on a two-way contract, and Hyland was expected to return to the team for the new campaign. He'll hope to see more action than last season, as Hyland only played four times for the Timberwolves, averaging 4.3 minutes on the floor. He started the year with the Los Angeles Clippers, posting 7.2 points per game in 11.1 minutes. Unless the backcourt gets hit by injuries, it's hard to see Hyland getting regular minutes in Minnesota.

Bismack Biyombo Tue Sep 16 6:10am

Center Bismack Biyombo has returned to the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year contract, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The veteran big man ended last season in San Antonio, putting up 5.1 points per game and averaging 5.6 rebounds in 18.9 minutes. He was a starter in all but two of his 28 appearances, as injuries hit the Spurs' frontcourt. With Victor Wembanyama healthy again and Luke Kornet providing a solid backup at center for the upcoming season, Biyombo faces a tough challenge to earn playing time in 2025-26.

Kobe Bufkin Tue Sep 16 6:00am

The Brooklyn Nets are acquiring guard Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks for cash considerations, sources have told ESPN's Shams Charania. The Hawks selected Bufkin 15th in the 2023 draft, but injuries have severely limited his development. Last season, Bufkin's campaign ended in December due to shoulder surgery. He made 10 appearances, averaging 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in 12.4 minutes. Bufkin gets a fresh start in Brooklyn, although the Nets' backcourt currently appears very crowded, making it difficult to project what the rotation might look like.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Mon Sep 15 11:50am

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to their first podium finish in EuroBasket since 2009. The two-time NBA MVP even said that this was his "greatest accomplishment." In the third-place game, Antetokounmpo finished with 30 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the floor and 12-for-16 from the charity stripe. He also chipped in with 17 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, one steal, and seven turnovers. He was also named to the EuroBasket All-Star team after averaging 27.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 4.4 turnovers per game with shooting splits of .685/.250/.656.

Alperen Sengun Mon Sep 15 11:40am

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun had quite the EuroBasket performance, finishing in the top seven for points and top four for both assists and rebounds per game. Ultimately, Sengun and Turkey fell just short of the gold medal by five points to Germany. In 30 minutes, Sengung posted 28 points, three rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and three turnovers while shooting 11-for-22 from the floor and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. As the go-to guy for Turkey, Sengun really proved that he belongs in the upper echelon of big men right now. He registered 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game through nine games.

Dennis Schroder Mon Sep 15 11:20am

Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder turns into a superstar every time he puts on the German National Team's jersey. He did it yet again as he led the Germans to the gold in EuroBasket this year and was even named the MVP. In the 88-83 win over Turkey, the 32-year-old posted 16 points, 12 assists, three rebounds, and one steal while shooting 5-for-11 from the floor, 1-for-3 from deep, and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 20.3 points, 7.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 turnovers, and 2.2 threes per game. He'll start the first year of a new contract with the Sacramento Kings this coming season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Mon Sep 15 11:10am

Memphis Grizzlies center/forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) underwent a procedure in July to address a turf toe injury, and it appears he's progressing well. The former Defensive Player of the Year said, "I'm feeling good. I'm progressing the right way. I'm doing what I need to do. Every day has been a building block." There isn't a firm timetable on his return, but the team originally said that they'd reevaluate his status around the start of training camp. Now that the Grizzlies dealt away Desmond Bane, they'll need all hands on deck this coming season if they want to return to the playoffs. Jackson had one of his healthiest seasons in 2024-25, but averaged just below 30 minutes per game. With that being said, he still registered 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per contest with shooting percentages of .488/.375/.781.

Jonathan Kuminga Mon Sep 15 10:20am

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been in a negotiating stalemate since the end of last season. According to ESPN NBA insiders Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, the Warriors have recently made a stronger offer to Kuminga worth $75.2 million over three years. The third year would reportedly be a team option, and there would be $48.3 million guaranteed in the first two seasons. This would put Kuminga's per-year earnings on par with Josh Giddey's new deal, but his camp doesn't seem to be a fan of the length and team control of the final year. The last counter that Kuminga and his agent offered was reportedly a big one-year deal that could still be used in trade talks at the deadline, but ultimately gives Kuminga control of his future. That was declined by the Warriors' front office, and the stalemate is ongoing with no real end in sight. The 22-year-old is entering his fifth season with career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 turnovers per game.

Quentin Grimes Sun Sep 14 6:50pm

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "there has been no tangible movement" regarding contract discussions between restricted free-agent guard Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers. Not many teams in the National Basketball Association have the funds available to sign players, with the Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga still engaged in a stalemate surrounding a deal. Philadelphia and Grimes are in the same boat, although it appears both sides want to continue their relationship. Fischer added that Philly may try and move Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond to "create some additional financial flexibility" in order to make re-signing Grimes "more comfortable." The 2021 No. 25 overall pick has bounced around the NBA since being drafted. However, he finally found his footing with the Sixers by averaging a career-high 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 28 games. While Grimes was more productive due to the collective absences of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George, his play elevated his stock heading into the summer. Now it will be up to the organization to give Grimes the money he thinks he deserves. If not, he could end up playing out the 2025 campaign on a qualifying offer before hitting free agency next offseason.

Joel Embiid Sun Sep 14 6:20pm

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was spotted at the team's practice facility and not wearing a knee brace. Without a doubt, his lingering knee issues have been a major concern for fantasy managers over the years. However, it appears Embiid has taken the steps necessary to avoid further issues, with Fischer adding that the 31-year-old was "looking slender, spry and in positive spirits." He is coming off one of his worst seasons in the National Basketball Association, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting a career-low 29.9% from behind the three-point line. Embiid was also limited to 19 contests. He may never be as productive as he was in 2023, the year he won the Most Valuable Player award. Still, Embiid has an excellent chance of returning to the All-Star conversation as long as he stays healthy.

Malcolm Brogdon Fri Sep 12 9:50am

Free agent guard Malcolm Brogdon will join his sixth team in ten seasons after agreeing to a one-year deal with the New York Knicks. ESPN's NBA Insider, Shams Charania, reports that the two sides agreed to a one-year contract on Friday after the veteran point guard appeared in 24 games last season with the Washington Wizards. Brogdon won the Sixth Man of the Year with the Boston Celtics in 2022-23, but has six seasons with fewer than 60 games played in his nine years. With the Wizards, the former second-round pick averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds across 23.5 minutes per game while shooting 43.3% from the floor and 28.6% from three. If he can stay healthy, Brogdon could be viable in deeper category fantasy leagues.

Landry Shamet Fri Sep 12 9:40am

New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet is sticking around with the team for at least one more year. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Shamet and the Knicks agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday. The former first-round pick has spent time on six different teams since being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Last year, he appeared in 50 regular-season games and averaged 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 threes across 15.2 minutes per game. He also appeared in 10 playoff games, but played very sparingly in those contests. Shamet hasn't been very fantasy-relevant throughout his career, and he'll likely continue in the same role for the foreseeable future.

PJ Washington Thu Sep 11 2:10pm

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension on Thursday. The veteran had one year remaining on his former contract. However, the extension will keep him in Dallas for the entire 2025 campaign, at the very least. Washington finished last season by averaging 14.7 points, adding 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks. The Mavs have one of the deepest rosters in the National Basketball Association, which was bolstered even more after the team selected Cooper Flagg in the 2025 Draft. As a result, Washington will likely have his off nights, although he's worth adding to any fantasy roster, especially if there are injuries in Dallas throughout the year.


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