Blazers’ New Owner Reportedly Unfazed by Backlash Over Spending Cuts
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Less than a month after Tom Dundon took control of the Portland Trail Blazers, multiple reports describe a sweeping effort to trim expenses—moves that have drawn sharp criticism inside and outside the organization.
Cost-cutting measures surface
According to several outlets, Portland was the only playoff team that did not travel with its two-way players for the first round. Support staff members were told to vacate hotel rooms early to avoid late check-out fees, and the club is said to be seeking a below-market salary for its next permanent head coach.
The Oregonian reported that Portland reduced its traveling party for the play-in game in Phoenix and the first-round series in San Antonio, leaving behind the team’s digital reporter, an award-winning photographer, and other employees. The Blazers also opted against sending a scout to the Timberwolves-Nuggets series, even though they would meet the winner if they upset San Antonio.
The Athletic added that interim coach Tiago Splitter expressed frustration when the team’s masseuse, forced out of her hotel room to avoid a fee, had nowhere to treat players before the play-in contest in Phoenix.
Dundon’s directive
Team sources told The Athletic that Dundon instructed management to slash spending he considers unnecessary, asking, “Why are we wasting money?” Staff members were told travel should include only personnel who “need” to be present.
The approach marks a stark contrast to the tenure of the late Paul Allen, whose deep pockets funded generous perks throughout the organization. Dundon’s associates said the new owner believes savings off the court can redirect resources toward players and is willing to enter luxury-tax territory next season to acquire top talent.
Concerns over player relations
Several league insiders questioned whether off-court cuts might hurt on-court performance, warning that star players and coaches could be alienated by a bare-bones operation. “He’s already established that he’s very cheap,” one league source told The Athletic, noting that frugality may complicate Portland’s efforts to lure free agents.
Coaching search in flux
Reports that Dundon wants to limit the head-coaching salary to roughly $1–1.5 million were disputed by team sources, who insisted the focus is on hiring the best candidate. The Blazers attempted to speak with Michael Malone, offering about half the figure he later accepted from North Carolina, but Malone declined because Portland’s job is not yet officially open.
Splitter remains the leading internal candidate while the front office contacts alternatives. Sources told The Athletic the team has reached out to St. Louis University’s Josh Schertz, Iowa’s Ben McCollum, and veteran NBA coach Tom Thibodeau, though Thibodeau is no longer in contention. The continued flow of names has placed Splitter in an “awkward” spot, one league executive said, calling the public process “the most vicious thing I’ve encountered in 30-plus years.”
Owner reportedly unfazed by criticism
Despite mounting negative publicity, Dundon is said to be indifferent to the backlash. “I don’t think he gives a rat’s ass what is said about him,” one league source told The Athletic. Associates echoed that sentiment, describing an owner focused solely on building a winner. A team insider predicted that while the next year may be rocky, perceptions will change if the cost-cutting strategy eventually produces victories.
Source: Hoops Rumors
