Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups earns contract extension after team’s surprising .550 stretch

Raunak Bose / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 13, 2025, 21:42 IST

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The Portland Trail Blazers have extended head coach Chauncey Billups' contract after a significant turnaround, marked by a top-five defense and Deni Avdija's emergence. General Manager Joe Cronin also received an extension following the team's exceeding expectations with 35 wins. With a promising young core, the Blazers aim for sustained success under their leadership.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups earns contract extension after team’s surprising .550 stretch

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups gestures to his team during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena (Image via John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images).

The Portland Trail Blazers have rewarded head coach Chauncey Billups with a multiyear contract extension following an impressive turnaround this season. The deal comes after a stretch where the team posted a .550 winning percentage since January 19, backed by a top-five defense.

Chauncey Billups�?future with the Portland Trail Blazers is now secure

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Chauncey Billups and the Blazers reached an agreement on the extension after speculation about his future with the team. With his initial contract set to expire after this season, the strong second-half performance solidified the franchise’s confidence in his leadership.

The improved play wasn’t just a fluke. Portland’s defense ranked among the league’s best during this stretch, and Avdija’s development into a key contributor played a major role. The team’s progress under Billups�?guidance made the extension an easy decision for the front office.

Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin also earns an extension amid team’s resurgence

The move to retain Chauncey Billups follows the Portland Trail Blazers�?decision to extend general manager Joe Cronin earlier this month. Cronin, who has overseen the team’s rebuild, was rewarded after Portland surpassed expectations with 35 wins so far�?4 more than last season.
Young players like Toumani Camara, Anfernee Simons, and Avdija have been crucial to the team’s growth. Additionally, rookie Donovan Clingan, drafted seventh overall, has made an immediate impact as one of the league’s top shot-blockers when healthy. His per-36-minute average of three blocks highlights his defensive presence.

The Portland Trail Blazers are building a promising core

While the Blazers may not be playoff-bound this year, their progress suggests a brighter future. The team has already exceeded preseason win projections (initially set at 32) and remains in contention for the 11th seed, just behind the Phoenix Suns.
Notable performances, including a near-upset of the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in March, have shown that Portland can compete with elite teams. With Billups and Cronin now locked in, the franchise has stability as it looks to take the next step.

The focus shifts to the next phase of the rebuild

The challenge for Cronin and Chauncey Billups will be turning this promising foundation into consistent success. The Blazers have a young, talented roster, but the front office must now decide how to elevate the team further—whether through development, trades, or free agency.
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For now, the extensions signal that Portland believes in the current direction. With key pieces in place, the Trail Blazers are banking on this group to deliver even bigger results in the coming seasons.

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About the Author

Raunak Bose

As a passionate WWE content writer, Raunak craft engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life, capturing the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring. His work fuels the imagination of WWE fans, making every match and storyline unforgettable.

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