3:35 PM ET

According to sources, Nike founder Phil Knight and Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Alan Smolinisky have made a written offer of more than $2 billion to purchase the Portland Trail blazers.

Sources said that Knight and Smolinisky have been talking to the Paul Allen Trust about the franchise.

The prospective ownership group's desire to keep the team in Portland for the long-term is reflected by Knight's ties to the region and his support of the University of Oregon.

Jody has been running the trust since her brother died. The trust is believed to have a plan for the sale of both the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail blazers.

One of the league's smaller media market teams, Portland has a long history of fan support and success. The 13th most valuable franchise in the NBA is the Trail blazers.

The MinnesotaTimberwolves sold for a valuation of $1.6 billion.

One of the richest people in the US is 84-year-old Knight. He was born in Portland and graduated from the University of Oregon before stepping down as chairman and CEO of Nike.

The Dodgers have a limited partner. He has done well in real estate.

The team has a new general manager and a new coach in Chauncey Billups.