The Portland Trail Blazers have laid off more than 50 long-term employees, marking a significant organizational shift under new ownership led by Tom Dundon. The move includes staff from the franchise’s media department and other internal roles.
NBA insider Evan Sidery reported on Tuesday, May 19, that the dismissals were part of broader cost-cutting measures being implemented across the organization. The report also indicated that the franchise is exploring head coaching candidates while prioritizing lower salary structures for the position.
The changes come during a period of transition for the Trail Blazers, with Dundon continuing to reshape the operational and financial framework of the franchise. The ownership group has been evaluating spending models while balancing competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Dundon’s stance on financial flexibility has been publicly outlined through comments shared via The Oregonian, where he expressed willingness to enter the luxury tax under competitive conditions. At the same time, internal decisions have reflected a tighter approach to staffing and organizational costs.
Portland’s head coaching search remains ongoing, with an emphasis on affordability influencing the process. The franchise is still without a permanent head coach following a season of structural changes.
The coaching vacancy follows a wider restructuring of basketball operations, which has included leadership evaluation across multiple levels of the organization. The franchise previously operated under interim arrangements after changes in the front office structure.
On the court, Portland finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 42–40 record, securing a play-in position in the Western Conference. The team’s young core has been a central focus of roster planning moving forward.
The Blazers’ rotation is built around emerging contributors such as Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, forming a developmental timeline that aligns with long-term roster planning. Player development remains a key organizational priority alongside financial restructuring.
The coaching search has included a wide range of candidates, with league assistants and development-focused staff under consideration. Reported names linked to the process include Steve Hetzel of the Brooklyn Nets staff, Jared Dudley from the Denver Nuggets organization, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.
Additional candidates such as Greg St. Jean and other established NBA assistants have also been part of broader evaluations. Interim coach Tiago Splitter remains a possible internal option as discussions continue.
