PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced ahead of their regular-season finale against the Lakers on Sunday. The specific terms of the new deal were not disclosed.
Now in his fourth season with the Blazers, Billups led the team to a 35-46 record. Although Portland missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, the team exceeded expectations thanks to promising young players like Scott Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija.
“I’m thrilled about what we’ve achieved and the direction we’re heading,” Billups said. “There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Under Billups’ leadership, the Blazers have begun to establish a clear identity, particularly on the defensive end. Over the last 40 games of the season, the team posted the NBA’s third-best defensive rating. During a strong stretch from late January to early February, Portland won 10 of 11 games, showcasing their growth despite being the league’s second-youngest roster.
“The strides we’ve made defensively—being the third-best defense in the second half—is huge,” said general manager Joe Cronin, who also recently signed an extension. “That progress is meaningful and reflects the foundation we’re building moving forward.”
Billups, 48, played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004 and earning Finals MVP honors. A five-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in October.
Teams such as the Phoenix Suns were rumored to have interest in Billups before the extension was finalized.
“Chauncey’s leadership has fostered a collaborative culture and a growth mindset among our young players,” said Blazers chair Jody Allen. “We’re pleased to extend his tenure and look forward to watching him continue to develop our team into a long-term contender.”
Reflecting on his journey with the team, Billups added, “I feel great about where we are now. Building a culture takes time, and I think we’ve done that. When a team begins to reflect a coach’s philosophy and style of play, that’s when you know it’s working.”
Leave a Reply