Trail Blazers’ pursuit of LeBron James leaked by professional pickleball star

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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, minting young superstars and attracting massive investments from billionaires. When high-finance business minds cross over into traditional pro sports, their aggressive strategies often shock the entire basketball world.

Anna Leigh Waters drops LeBron James bombshell

At the ESPY Awards, pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Waters revealed that Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon wants to sign LeBron James. Dundon owns Pickleball Inc., the parent company of the Professional Pickleball Association. He recently bought the Trail Blazers from the Paul Allen estate for $4.25 billion.

Waters knows Dundon through her sport and shared the owner's secret NBA plans. “I don't know," said Waters. "I know the owner of the professional pickleball league just bought the Portland basketball team, the Trail Blazers, and I know he's trying to get (James), so we'll see if that happens."

Pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters says the Trail Blazers are trying to sign LeBron James

"I know the owner of the professional pickleball league just bought the Portland Trail Blazers, and I know he's trying to get James, so we'll see if that happens."

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This recruitment plan matches Dundon’s aggressive history in the sports business. He also owns the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, where he is known for making high-risk, high-reward roster moves. Landing James would immediately change the trajectory of the rebuilding Trail Blazers.

The team possesses young talent but lacks a proven veteran superstar to guide them into championship contention. James brings instant global media attention, massive ticket sales, and elite on-court playmaking. The connection between the two men extends beyond basketball.

James previously invested money into a Major League Pickleball expansion franchise. This shared business interest gives Dundon a direct line of communication to the basketball icon. Dundon aims to use this relationship to pitch a historic career move.

NBA analysts view the potential deal as difficult but possible. Portland must clear significant salary cap space or orchestrate a complex sign-and-trade deal to acquire James. Dundon's immense wealth and willingness to spend on luxury tax penalties make financial hurdles less problematic for Portland.