The Portland Trail Blazers are making major changes behind the scenes, and clearly, the fallout is significant.
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According to reports from Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, the organization has laid off roughly 70 employees from its business operations department as part of a broad restructuring effort under new majority owner Tom Dundon.
Among those affected was longtime Blazers.com reporter Casey Holdahl, who confirmed on social media that he was let go after years covering the team.
I have indeed been let go after 18+ years with the @trailblazers. My sincerest thanks to all of you who have read/listened/watched/engaged with my work over the years.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) May 19, 2026
The cuts represent one of the first major organizational moves since Dundon officially took over control of the franchise. And honestly, they probably won't be the last.
Team president of business operations Dewayne Hankins released a statement acknowledging the layoffs and calling the decision difficult.
"These changes impacted talented people who have helped shape the Trail Blazers over many years," Hankins said. "We are deeply grateful for their contributions."
Still, the bigger picture seems pretty clear here.
Dundon has already hinted publicly that he believes Portland's business side had become bloated financially. Speaking recently on a podcast, the owner pushed back against criticism that he's "cheap," saying he has no issue spending money where it directly impacts winning.
"I just don't want to waste money. I want to invest it," Dundon said.
He specifically pointed to player resources — training, food, recovery and support staff — as areas where he plans to continue spending aggressively. But he also claimed Portland's business operations were costing roughly $100 million more annually than the way he runs the Carolina Hurricanes, whom he also owns.
And in Dundon's view, that kind of spending simply didn't match the results.
Whether fans agree with that philosophy is another story entirely.
Meanwhile, the Blazers are still seeking a new coach after the whole Chauncey Billups arrest drama in October.
