NBA Notes: Blazers, Tom Dundon, Thunder, payroll, Suns

Trail Blazers

The criticism surrounding new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon has surprised some observers outside the NBA.

According to The Athletic’s James Mirtle, Dundon is generally well-regarded throughout NHL circles for his ownership of the Carolina Hurricanes and is not viewed as an owner who avoids spending.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman even praised Dundon’s unconventional style.

“The fact of the matter is, he doesn’t always do things in traditional ways,” Bettman said. “I think in some ways he’s a bit of a disruptor.”

Dundon assumed control of the Blazers earlier this year and has already become a frequent topic of discussion as Portland navigates its offseason.

Thunder

The Thunder have spent years stockpiling talent. Now comes the expensive part.

As Oklahoma City enters another important offseason, attention is beginning to shift toward future contract decisions, particularly involving rising guard Cason Wallace.

Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron recently projected that Wallace could command a rookie-scale extension worth at least four years and $104 million, placing him in the same neighborhood as recent deals signed by Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun.

The Thunder have repeatedly indicated they want to keep their young core together, but the financial challenges are beginning to emerge.

League observers continue to view 2027 as the franchise’s true salary-cap crossroads.

Suns

Former Suns center Jusuf Nurkic reignited discussion about his time in Phoenix with some pointed comments about ex-coach Mike Budenholzer.

During a recent interview, Nurkic referred to Budenholzer as an “alcohol addict” and accused the former Suns coach of scheduling one-on-one meetings with players simply to provoke them.

The remarks add another chapter to what was already a well-documented strained relationship.

Reports near the end of the 2024-25 season indicated Budenholzer had questioned Nurkic’s attitude and labeled him a bad teammate.

Neither man remains with the Suns, but it appears the tension between them hasn’t completely faded.