As Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report outlines, there have been several “red flags” tied to Tom Dundon’s unwillingness to spend since acquiring the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line recently reported that Dundon is reluctant to exceed $1.5MM in salary for his next head coach, a figure more typical for top assistants than established NBA head coaches.
That stance has fueled speculation about whether interim coach Tiago Splitter will return after stepping in following Chauncey Billups’ gambling-related arrest and guiding Portland to its first playoff berth since 2021.
Fischer also reported that the organization has reached out to around 20 college and international candidates in search of someone willing to take the position at a reduced cost.
In another example, Dundon reportedly had team staff check out of their hotel in Phoenix at noon last Tuesday to avoid paying for an additional night.
Those staff members then remained in the lobby for several hours in team gear while waiting for transportation to the arena.
The Blazers’ new owner is making quite an impression — and it’s not a good one: https://t.co/tM5hp75ALw pic.twitter.com/YLb1iY0UGt
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 20, 2026
