The Portland Trail Blazers have narrowed their head coaching search to three finalists, though the process has been delayed by the Carolina Hurricanes' run to the Stanley Cup Final. Team owner Tom Dundon also owns the Hurricanes, who are currently facing the Las Vegas Golden Knights for the NHL championship.

Sources tell The Stein Line that Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook and Blazers acting coach Tiago Splitter remain under consideration. Two previously identified finalists, Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy and Utah Jazz assistant Mike Williams, did not advance.

Portland launched its coaching search after Chauncey Billups was arrested last October amid a federal investigation. Splitter took over as interim head coach and guided the Blazers to the seventh seed in the Western Conference, marking the franchise's first playoff appearance since Damian Lillard's initial departure in 2023.

Lillard is set to return to Portland next season, giving the Blazers renewed optimism about competing in a deep Western Conference. The franchise has also signaled interest in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo as part of a potential roster upgrade.