The Trail Blazers are staying in Portland.After months of tension, the team’s president Dewayne Hankins confirmed that the plan is to extend the lease at the Moda Center.Moda Center is in need of a major faceliftGetty“We are committed to a deal that works for our ownership. We are committed to a deal that works for our public partners,” he said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the Trail Blazers are staying right here.”It is a sharp about turn after new owner Tom Dundon took a firm stance on negotiations purchased the team for around $4.25 billion.In June, he claimed that taxpayers should take the entire burden of renovating the 31-year-old arena, leading to rumors he had his heart set on relocation and effectively bought the team as a cheaper alternative to an expansion franchise.Kansas City was among the interested parties, with generous public subsidies on the cards.Hankins called Portland’s economy “stagnant” in the wake of those comments, which caused a rift with officials.The state of Oregon, Multnomah County, and city of Portland have now approved around $586 million for upgrades which to bridge the gap.Outstanding issues remain, including discussions over the team paying rent and hiring union workers, with a December deadline in place.“These conversations continue to happen behind closed doors, and it’s most productive for us when they stay that way,” Hankins added. “What I will say is this: We are committed to Portland.“The mayor the other week said he wanted us to meet every day. We’ll make time to do that if we need to do that.”Damian Lillard determined to stay putFans have been holding their breath for monthsGettyDamian Lillard joined Portland in 2012GettyPortland star Damian Lillard is desperate not to let the city down.“I don’t see a world where the Trail Blazers aren’t in Portland,” he said. I just don’t.“And I do pray that day never comes, even when I’m done. I know how important the Trail Blazers are to this city.”The dominos appear to be falling into place, but until a deal is signed, Portland residents will be holding their breath.Portland may lose out in MLB raceIt is also in the running for an MLB expansion franchise, but geography may get in the way.Portland is possibly the second-best bid in terms of meeting MLB requirements, but the plan is to have a new team either side of the Rockies.Salt Lake City is an extremely strong contender and may win the battle on the West Coast.