Overview
- New reporting says Tom Dundon told the Trail Blazers not to fly their three two-way players to San Antonio for the first two road games, a move described by insider Sean Highkin as a cost-saving step unique among the visiting teams that opened the playoffs.
- Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood, and Jayson Kent were left home even though two-way players cannot appear in the postseason, a slot many teams still use for travel, practices, and bench support to build chemistry and give young players key experience.
- Portland’s return to the playoffs ended in a 111-98 loss in Game 1 to the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama’s 35 points, adding game-night scrutiny to decisions that kept depth players and prospects off the trip.
- Other reported austerity measures include a coaching search capped near $1.5 million per year despite a league norm around $4 million, staff avoiding hotel late checkout to trim travel costs, and no free playoff T‑shirts for home Games 3 and 4.
- The cuts arrive as the organization points to a planned $600 million renovation of Moda Center and follow Dundon formally taking control on April 1, a contrast that has fueled questions about optics, morale, and the team’s hiring leverage during the series.