Blazers could part ways with Chauncey Billups?

Feb 15, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former player Chauncey Billups speaks during a ceremony honoring former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders prior to a game against Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

There appears to be increasing speculation regarding the status of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.

Though the Blazers have suggested that Billups will return as head coach next season, there is some doubt about that, according to Chris Mannix of SI. Other teams are “monitoring” Billups’ status, and rumors have increased after the Blazers parted ways with two of his assistants, including his brother Rodney.

Teams are monitoring Chauncey Billups situation in Portland, league sources told @SInow. The Blazers are rebuilding and just parted ways with two assistants, including Billups's brother, Rodney. If Billups/Portland split, Billups would quickly emerge as a candidate for other jobs

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 8, 2024

The implication is that those assistants, which also included a former Coach of the Year, may have been let go without Billups’ approval. That is the organization’s right, but it could certainly cause tension between the team and the coach.

Blazers GM Joe Cronin had publicly confirmed that Billups would be back next season, but that was before changes were made to the coaching staff. The 47-year-old has gone 81-165 over three seasons with Portland, though the team was openly rebuilding last season. That poor record does not appear to have significantly diminished his standing around the league.