Spoke with someone with with knowledge of the situation, here's the jist:
- With Paul owning the Seahawks and the Blazers coming up for a new deal, PA is looking to take advantage of the new deal and really target SEA as well to capture the entire Pacific NW since the Sonics are no more. Two names with a lot of traction are Kevin Calabro and PJ.
- 'Tone dug his own grave coming out with his marijuana company. The team has progressed past their Jail Blazers image and wants to keep it that way--regardless of legalization.
- With PA wanting to gather more of SEA, they took a look at the color commentary and thought it was time to replace Rice, with MB likely just being collateral damage.
- Wheels will likely be the next to go. Next year when his contract expires. It would have pushed us fans over the top if he was let go at the same time but sadly it sounds like Wheels is a handful behind the scenes. I have too much respect for him to put exactly what I was told out there; he is the voice of the Blazers and I'll hate to see him go but some of his extra-curricular activities are frowned upon and were a major reason he lost his Wheels at Work show.
If I hear more I'll be sure to pass it along, but I have no doubt my source knows what they are talking about.