Tom Dundon's "El Cheapo" Move: Portland's Blazers Owner Is Reportedly Hunting For The Lowest-Paid Head Coach In The NBA

Remember Tom Dundon? The Portland Blazers owner who earned himself the nickname "El Cheapo" for his penny-pinching ways? Well, he's not just living up to the name anymore. He's embracing it like it's a team motto.

According to reports, Dundon has been low-balling coaching candidates, trying to convince them to leave their current gigs or college programs to take over the Blazers. The kicker? He's specifically looking for someone willing to be the lowest-paid head coach in the entire NBA. The same guy who won't even approve late checkout for his team is now shopping for discount coaches.

The Blazers Actually Have Something Going

Here's what makes this extra tone-deaf: the Blazers just made the playoffs with interim coach Tiago Splitter. They gave their fans something to actually get excited about this season. Splitter got them there on a shoestring budget, and instead of rewarding that, Dundon's out here trying to hire the cheapest replacement he can find.

This is the same owner who refuses to spring for basic team amenities. You can't be that guy and then claim you're serious about building a winner. It doesn't work that way.

Brutal Timing For A Fanbase That's Seen Enough

Blazers fans have been through it. The JailBlazers era. Brandon Roy and Greg Oden injuries that derailed everything. Dame Lillard's departure. They finally get a team that makes the playoffs again and give them reason to believe, only to watch their owner publicly beg for the worst compensation package in the league.

That's not how you build loyalty. That's how you make people stop caring.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.