Portland sends draft term sheet to Trail Blazers days after NBA says talks 'off track'

In what’s perhaps a surprising development, city leaders have sent an initial draft term sheet to the Trail Blazers this week outlining the city’s first proposal in negotiating a long-term agreement to keep the team in Portland. It comes weeks ahead of a scheduled council vote on August 12 to approve a tentative term sheet and just one day after Mayor Keith Wilson accused the team of withholding essential details on the project. "When you get into these type of negotiations, they're tough. Yes, the city has asked and requested certain information from the Blazers and we have not received that. We've had communication with the Blazers and had verbal conversations with the Blazers. That's what has taken place thus far," city administrator Raymond Lee said after an executive session on the draft term sheet. "I believe the Blazers are waiting on a term sheet before they really start opening up into negotiations with us and start getting some of that critical information that we would want to see on our end as it relates to building out a deal with the Blazers that will be long-term for the city and the Blazers," he added. The initial term sheet outlines the city's financial commitment, its requests for the team, and other details that will need to be worked out in a long-term lease. The main points of the city’s draft term sheet include the following: A binding 20-year non-relocation commitment from the team. Requirements for labor-peace agreements to support a stable workforce. Financial protections that outline clear caps on public funding, limits on eligible expenses, and safeguards for the City, State and County against cost overruns. A $3 million annual payment for property tax offset payment from Rip City Management, escalating over time, with proceeds shared among the City, County, and Portland Public Schools. Requirements for community event access, local hiring, sustainability standards, and partnerships with Albina-based organizations.