The Portland Trail Blazers have moved five candidates into the second round of their head-coaching search and plan to hold in-person interviews before making a hire, according to The Oregonian.
Finalists: Jeff Van Gundy (Clippers), Tiago Splitter (Blazers), Micah Nori (Timberwolves), Tyler Lashbrook (Celtics) and Mike Williams (Jazz) will each meet face-to-face with team officials. Additional coaches could still be added as preliminary interviews continue, with Jerry Stackhouse among those still under consideration.
The club has not settled on an interview site; options include Portland, Dallas or Raleigh, North Carolina. Conducting meetings in Raleigh would keep new owner Tom Dundon near his NHL franchise, the Carolina Hurricanes, who are playing in the Eastern Conference finals.
One candidate has already been eliminated: Jared Dudley (Nuggets) interviewed via Zoom but was not invited to the next stage. A team source said Portland hopes to finalize its choice by late May, though that timeline is flexible.
Grant’s Contract Limits Flexibility
Forward Jerami Grant rebounded from a difficult 2024/25 campaign by averaging 18.6 points on 38.9% three-point shooting over 57 games this season. The 30-year-old is owed $34.2 million next year and holds a $36.4 million player option for 2027/28. Declining defense and rebounding compared with his Denver tenure could complicate trade discussions.
Wesley’s Role Depends on Off-Season Moves
Guard Blake Wesley appeared ready for a larger role before a broken foot sidelined him for three months in October. Upon returning, he struggled to match his early impact after Tiago Splitter altered the team’s style of play. Scouts view him as a potential third-string point guard on a minimum contract; his future hinges on whether Portland can upgrade the position.
Cissoko Earns Rotation Minutes
Second-year wing Sidy Cissoko, 22, started 26 games after having his two-way deal converted to a standard contract. He is on a partially guaranteed $2.5 million deal for 2026/27. While coaches value his effort and feel for the game, his 29.8% three-point shooting on 2.6 attempts per contest remains a concern.
Source: Hoops Rumors
