Okay, here’s a revised article tailored for archyde.com, focusing on the portland Trail Blazers sale, the NBA In-Season tournament, and formatted for a modern online news experience, while aiming for 100% originality (to the best of my ability, considering the source material):
“`html
Tom Dundon to Acquire Portland trail Blazers in Blockbuster $4 Billion+ Deal
[City, Date] – A major shakeup is occurring in the NBA landscape as businessman Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, has struck a deal to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers. Sources report the agreement, finalized with the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is valued at upwards of $4 billion.
the purchase, announced [Date – insert Date], signals a significant investment in the league and continues a trend of escalating franchise values within the NBA. Allen, who acquired the Trail Blazers in 1988 for a reported $70 million, left the team in his will, with the specific instructions that the sale proceeds be directed towards philanthropic endeavors.
Key Highlights:
- Deal Value: Exceeds $4 billion.
- Buyer: Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL).
- Seller: Estate of Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder).
- Team Location: The Trail Blazers will remain in Portland.
- Philanthropic Focus: Proceeds from the sale will be used for charitable purposes, as per Allen’s wishes.
This acquisition follows a year of significant transactions within the NBA. In April,the Minnesota Timberwolves changed hands for $1.5 billion.Moreover, the boston celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, two of the league’s most storied franchises, saw ownership changes this year with deals reportedly valued at $6.1 billion and $10 billion,respectively.
NBA Unveils Groups for 2024-25 In-Season Tournament
Adding to the excitement, the NBA has announced the group assignments for the third edition of the NBA In-Season Tournament, now officially known as the Emirates NBA Cup due to a sponsorship agreement. The tournament’s final will take place on December 16th in Las Vegas. The format mirrors the last two seasons.
Here are the groups for the upcoming tournament:
| Conference | Group | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| East | A | Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards |
| B | Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers | |
| C | charlotte Hornets, chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New York knicks | |
| West | A | Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz |
| B | Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, los Angeles Lakers, Memphis grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans | |
| C | Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs |
The group stage will commence on October 31st and run through November 28th.The three group winners and the best second-place team from each conference will advance to the next round. Quarterfinal matchups will be single-elimination games played December 9th and