The Portland Trail Blazers are moving cautiously as they look for a new head coach, a stark contrast to the high-priced moves made elsewhere around the NBA this offseason.
According to The Athletic, the Milwaukee Bucks awarded Taylor Jenkins a contract worth well above $10 million per year, while the Dallas Mavericks lured executive Masai Ujiri to oversee basketball operations with a similarly sizable commitment.
Those deals have been read league-wide as statements of urgency and financial resolve. Portland, however, remains in the early stages of its coaching hunt, and no target date for a hire has been set.
League sources told The Athletic that the Blazers’ list of candidates could reach nearly 20 names. New owner Tom Dundon is participating in the process alongside the existing front-office staff.
There is also continued speculation about how much the franchise is willing to spend on its next coach. Reports indicate the potential salary range sits on the lower end compared with recent market-setting contracts.
With the Bucks and Mavericks demonstrating a willingness to spend heavily in pursuit of wins, Portland’s measured approach has drawn fresh scrutiny as the organization defines its direction.
Source: Hoops Wire
