New Era of Excellence: Trail Blazers Secure Chauncey Billups with Multi-Year Contract Extension

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers have announced a multi-year contract extension for head coach Chauncey Billups, as stated by General Manager Joe Cronin today. The specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed due to team policy.

“Chauncey’s leadership is centered around fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging a growth mindset among our younger players,” remarked Jody Allen, chair of the Portland Trail Blazers. “We are thrilled to extend his head coaching contract and look forward to his ongoing contributions to player development and his vision for transforming this team into a long-term contender.”

“Chauncey Billups stands out as an exceptional leader, motivator, and communicator who has worked diligently to craft a distinct identity for our team throughout his tenure in Portland,” added Joe Cronin. “I am genuinely enthusiastic about continuing our collaboration with Chauncey and elevating this team to new heights.”

Having been appointed on June 27, 2021, Billups is now in his fourth season, achieving his highest win total during the 2024-25 season while successfully establishing a forward-looking team identity. Over the last 40 games, his coaching has led the Trail Blazers to rank third in the NBA for defensive rating and fifth for fourth-quarter defense. During this same span, the team recorded the 11th best net rating in the league, all while fielding the second youngest roster. This season, the Trail Blazers rank 11th in steals and ninth in blocks per game, showcasing Billups’ commitment to improving the defensive rating each year since 2022-23.

“I appreciate the confidence shown in me by Jody Allen, Bert Kolde, and Joe Cronin as we all strive to build a sustainably successful team going forward,” said Billups. “We are constructing this squad the right way, emphasizing a competitive culture rooted in defense. I am eager to continue delivering a product on the court that Rip City fans can take pride in and rally behind every night.”

Player development has also played a crucial role in the Trail Blazers’ achievements this season. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe have both reached new career highs in scoring, while second-year players Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson have made significant improvements in their three-point shooting percentages. Rookie Donovan Clingan has recorded the second highest rebound percentage for a rookie and the sixth highest block percentage in history. Camara was honored as the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month for February and was named alongside Henderson and Bryce McGowens as NBA Rising Stars during All-Star weekend.

Billups, now 48 years old, was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in October as part of the 2024 class. He had a 17-season NBA career playing for teams including Boston, Toronto, Denver, Minnesota, Detroit, New York, and the Clippers. He was awarded NBA Finals MVP in 2004 after leading Detroit to a championship victory. A five-time All-Star, he earned All-NBA Second Team recognition in 2006 and All-NBA Third Team honors in 2007 and 2009.

Billups also garnered All-NBA Defensive Second Team awards in both 2005 and 2006. Additionally, he received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2008, the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2009, and was the inaugural winner of the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in 2013. His No. 1 jersey was retired by the Pistons in 2016. Over the course of his career, Billups averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 1,043 games.