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A New Blazers’ Ownership Group Will Greatly Change The Team

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The Portland Trail Blazers are for sale.

On May 13, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers’ ownership group shocked the world by putting the team up for sale. It shocked because they thought Jody Allen would stay as the owner. However, she finally followed up on her brother’s requirement to sell the team after his unfortunate death in 2018. Let’s dive into what new ownership would mean for the Blazers.

A New Blazers’ Ownership Group Will Greatly Change The Team

The Trail Blazers have been in limbo since 2018, when former owner Paul G. Allen passed away. He was passionate about the Blazers, a team he purchased in 1988. He was instrumental in the team’s growth through the years, including the rise of the Rose Garden, today’s Moda Center. His tenure within the Blazers’ ownership led to 19 Playoff appearances and two NBA Finals berths.

Unfortunately, Allen could not age past 65. His ownership of the Blazers and other ventures went to his estate. His sister, Jody Allen, became the team’s de facto owner because she is the Paul G. Allen Trust’s chair. Jody was the de facto owner, given the task of selling it to the highest bidder. That day has come for the Blazers, which bodes well for Portland’s future with foundational players like Shaedon Sharpe.

The Blazers Could Massively Improve With a New Owner

The new owners won’t come in until at least the summer before the 2026-27 season. However, that could open a door for Joe Cronin’s plan with the team, which starts in the 2025 offseason. He has built a promising roster, but new owners could motivate him to take risks with the decisions. That could lead to massive roster improvements, but they also need a balance.

The Phoenix Suns are a good example to avoid because of Mat Ishbia. He immediately spent plenty of resources to turn them into contenders. However, the team did not have the time to mesh and veered too much in one direction. The big plans did not work out because they lacked plenty of important pieces, like a good center.

For Portland’s future, the Blazers’ ownership must set fair expectations for the team. If they keep trusting Cronin, they could build the best team possible from his vision. Cronin has done a great job meeting the standards for modern top teams with many wings. Now, he must keep building and looking for the players he can integrate into Chauncey Billups’ system.

A New Dawn for the Trail Blazers

Despite having a superstar like Damian Lillard, the Blazers kept struggling. It was a similar campaign almost every year, as they failed because of a limited roster. Dame tried his best to carry the team, but even that role became too heavy for him.

Portland has had losing campaigns in recent seasons, but there is potential in this team. With players like Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan, the team has a burgeoning young core. Cronin is helping them build a strong defensive core. Alongside those youngsters, they also have Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija. Those are two superb wings with tremendous upside, especially with Camara’s ace defensive skills.

This foundation should convince the new ownership to stick with the plan. It would be best if they were supportive and remained within the squad parameters. Sudden investments are not as good as one would think, which was evident in Phoenix when Ishbia bought the team. If the Blazers keep their heads down and gradually build towards success, Portland’s future is brighter than most teams.

The Allen family has been tremendous with their support for the Blazers. However, the team needed Paul’s passion in this competitive era. Jody kept the Blazers stable, but the organization must be braver. A new ownership group could be the key to this organization’s return to high-tier competitiveness.

 

Featured image: © Soobum Im-Imagn Images

The post A New Blazers’ Ownership Group Will Greatly Change The Team appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.