Blazers rumors: Tiago Splitter’s relationship with cheap new owner ‘split’ after lowball offer

Rumors continue to swirl around the Portland Trail Blazers’ organization as the club begins its head coaching search. While interim Tiago Splitter is a possible candidate, it sounds like his relationship with the cost-saving new owner, Tom Dundon, is a bit on the rocks after reports indicate Dundon made a lowball offer to Splitter.

In the latest episode of “ClutchScoops” with insiders Brett Siegel and Tomar Azarly, Siegel revealed that Splitter feels “split” on his relationship with Dundon and the Trail Blazers’ ownership group. Portland allegedly offered the 41-year-old head coach a deal well below market value during the regular season.

“Sources tell us that it is not a positive relationship,” said Siegel. “Tiago Splitter’s relationship with ownership is basically split at this point. They lowballed him on an offer before the season ended to become their next head coach. It was well below the league worth and the market value for what he could get from another team. It does seem like Tiago Splitter and the Portland Trail Blazers are gonna be heading down seperate roads.”

Siegel, later in the episode, also claims that the relationship can still be salvaged. If the Trail Blazers up the offer to a fairer deal, then Splitter may reconsider and remain as the club’s head coach.

“Obviously, the relationship between Tiago Splitter and the organization could still be mended,” stated Siegel. “They could still give him the contract [he desires] and everybody can be happy and go on their way, and this organization could move forward. Or, new ownership could take it in a different direction.”

Nuggets/Celtics Future, Steve Kerr, NBA Intel | Clutch Scoops with @TomerAzarly and @BrettSiegelNBA https://t.co/LP2TJTZKT7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 7, 2026

Tiago Splitter is rumored to be one of a possible 20 or more candidates for the head coaching job in Portland. He took over as the interim coach for the Trail Blazers after former head coach Chauncey Billups was placed on indefinite leave for his alleged involvement in an illegal poker scandal.

Splitter ended his first year in the head coaching role, leading the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and making an appearance in the playoffs. Ultimately, Portland was eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs in five games.

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