The Portland Trail Blazers have cut more than 70 employees as part of a sweeping reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon. The move comes as the team shifts leadership and strategy, with Blazers president Dewayne Hankins calling the decision "difficult" but necessary for long-term success.
The layoffs affect multiple departments and mark the latest step in Dundon's cost-cutting measures since taking over the franchise in March 2023. Hankins said in a statement to The Oregonian that the organization is "deeply grateful for their contributions, their leadership and the care they showed every day for our team, our fans and the Portland community."
Dundon has faced scrutiny over his approach to managing the team. The owner has opted not to bring two-way players on playoff road trips and has reportedly capped spending on a new head coach at $1.5 million. Tiago Splitter, the former NBA player who was expected to be in contention for the full-time head coaching role, is no longer a top candidate.
In his place, the Blazers have begun interviewing assistant coaches from other teams. Ben Sullivan, an assistant with the Houston Rockets, and Jared Dudley, an assistant with the Denver Nuggets, have both been brought in for consideration. The coaching search is now a top priority as the team prepares for the 2024–25 season.
The Blazers finished the 2023–24 season with a 26–56 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. With a young roster featuring players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the team is in a transitional phase. However, the front office shakeup and financial constraints have raised questions about how aggressively the Blazers will pursue free agents or make midseason moves.
Dundon's ownership group has not publicly commented on the job cuts beyond the statement from Hankins. The team has also not announced a timeline for finalizing the new head coach or the full scope of the reorganization.
The Blazers are expected to make a coaching decision by the end of July, with training camp set to begin in early September.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup roster has reportedly been finalized ahead of the official announcement, with 13 first-time call-ups set to make their mark on the biggest stage in soccer. According to The Guardian, the U.S. Soccer Federation will unveil the final 26-man squad on Tuesda
1 hours ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are reportedly close to a blockbuster trade that would send Morgan Rielly to Vancouver in exchange for Filip Hronek. The deal addresses immediate needs for both teams and aligns with hockey logic, salary cap flexibility, and personal considerations for R
2 hours ago
The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Peter Strzelecki to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Strzelecki will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after clearing waivers following his designation for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier t
2 hours ago
The Texas Rangers have reclaimed first baseman Blaine Crim off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Crim has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, while right-hander Carter Baumler was moved from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL to create a 40-man roster spot.
2 hours ago