NBA:
The Trail Blazers enter the offseason after another first round playoff exit. The franchise recently got some social media roasting over some of the money-saving measures implemented by new team owner Tom Dundon, including reportedly low-balling contract negotiations with interim head coach Tiago Splitter.
Portland also has decisions in free agency with Robert Williams III as their most notable unrestricted free agent.
After his playoff performance, Big Rob may have played himself into a bigger contract than Dundon wants to pay.
The team is over the salary cap with the bulk of that going to Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant. Both could be traded.
The Blazers don’t have a pick, as of now, in June’s NBA Draft.
Then, there’s the anticipated return of Damian Lillard coming back from Achilles injury next season.
Lots of decisions for Dundon and whoever he has in the Blazers front-office.
COLLEGE:
In the continuing saga embroiling Oregon State’s Athletic department Kyle Bjornstad, former owner of Dam Nation, is suing Blueprint Sports, claiming the company owes him 155-thousand dollars from the sale of his NIL business.
The dispute follows Oregon State’s decision to end its contract with Blueprint.
Bjornstad is asking for payment and an apology.
U of O MBB:
The Oregon men's basketball team continues to add to next season's roster. The Ducks received a commitment from Boston College transfer guard Fred Payne. In 31 games with the Eagles this season, Payne averaged 15.8 points and four-point-two rebounds.
LOCAL:
Central Oregon Community College’s two long-running spring race events are happening on the Bend campus in May: the four-mile Jungle Run on May 7, and the two-mile, 465-step Storm the Stairs on May 19. Both are scholarship fundraisers for COCC. Register at cocc.edu/sports
