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yesterday

Dundon Defends Layoffs After Blazers Cut More Than 70 Business Employees

His citing of the Carolina Hurricanes’ lean staff model signals a shift toward tighter business operations that could change how the franchise runs off the court.

Apr 2, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is introduced during the first half during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Trail Blazers carried out a broad business-side restructuring in mid-May that eliminated just over 70 jobs, a reduction the team called a difficult but deliberate repositioning.
  • Owner Tom Dundon told reporters he used his Carolina Hurricanes ownership as a template, saying fewer layers increase accountability and noting the Blazers’ non-player spending is reportedly far higher than the Hurricanes’.
  • Dundon stressed the cuts were mostly on the business side and said basketball operations and roster spending are treated separately and will remain a priority.
  • Players, fans and alumni pushed back publicly, with critics including Clyde Drexler warning the reductions could hurt marketing, social media, personnel support and the team’s appeal to free agents.
  • The organization enters a pivotal offseason with an open head-coach search and questions about year-round capacity and community relations that could affect recruiting, fan trust and the team’s public image.