RealGM Basketball Wiretap

22 April 2025

• Matisse Thybulle Sees Himself In Portland, Excited For Trail Blazers Future

  Last season was a frustrating one for Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle. The veteran wing didn't make his season debut until March 16. Once he was able to suit up, Thybulle played in the Blazers final 15 games, averaging a career-high 7.5 points per game on 48% shooting, including 44% on three-pointers.

  Now, Thybulle is looking forward to next season, even giving indications that he plans to pick up his $11.55 million player option for next season.

  "I can't wait to get a full season under our belts," Thybulle said. "Because this whole year, especially as we forged our identity as being a defensive team, I was just chomping at the bit."

  The former two-time All-Defensive Team selection is excited that Chauncey Billups received a contract extension. Thybulle expressed confidence in Portland continuing to improve into next season.

  "Chauncey getting his extension is really exciting and definitely makes me optimistic for running it back with these guys," Thybulle said.

• Trail Blazers, Chauncey Billups Reach Multiyear Deal

  Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has agreed to a multiyear contract extension, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

  Trail Blazers officials negotiated a new deal with Billups' representation, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, as the coach was finishing his fourth season and the final guaranteed year on his contract Sunday.

• David Adelman Could Be Head Coach Candidate For Nuggets, Blazers

  David Adelman was elevated by the Denver Nuggets to interim head coach this week and will be given the opportunity to audition for the job. If the Portland Trail Blazers decide to part ways with Chauncey Billups this offseason, they will likely also have interest in Adelman.

  Adelman joined the Nuggets in 2017 as an assistant coach.

  Adelman's father, Rick Adelman, was a longtime NBA head coach including two trips to the NBA Finals with the Blazers.

  Adelman has a "steadiness and calm demeanor" that is different to Malone's.

• Joe Cronin, Blazers Sign Multi-Year Extension

  The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with General Manager Joe Cronin.

  Cronin was originally named the General Manager on May 10, 2022 after serving in the role as interim since December 3, 2021. In the past three seasons, Cronin has engineered roster moves that have improved the team's overall talent level and competitiveness going forward. Through trades, Cronin spearheaded the additions of Jerami Grant in July of 2022, Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara in September of 2023, and Deni Avdija in July of 2024.

  Under Cronin's direction, the Trail Blazers have also added talent through the draft selecting Shaedon Sharpe in 2022, Scoot Henderson in 2023, and Donovon Clingan in 2024. Both Sharpe (2023) and Henderson (2023, 2024), along with Camara (2024), have been named to NBA Rising Stars teams at multiple All-Star weekends.

  "Joe has demonstrated leadership and vision during his time as General Manager, and I'm excited to see him continue building the foundation for a long-term, winning team," said Jody Allen, chair of the Portland Trail Blazers. "We are all thrilled with the team's forward momentum and excited for the future of Trail Blazers basketball."

  "I am honored that Jody and Bert have put their continued trust in me and thank them for believing in this opportunity to further our pursuit of building a winning team in Portland," said Joe Cronin, Portland Trail Blazers General Manager. "My vision is to have a competitive roster with the potential for sustained success, while creating a culture that helps all our players, coaches and staff thrive. I couldn't be more excited for what's to come."

  Since first joining the team as an intern, Cronin has gained experience within the organization across a variety of front office roles. Now with 19 years of front office experience, including extensive knowledge of the salary cap, proven management skills, player evaluation prowess, and player contract expertise, Cronin will continue to lead the Trail Blazers.

• Robert Williams III To Undergo Arthroscopic Procedure In Left Knee, Out 4-6 Weeks

  Robert Williams III is set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to address inflammation, the Portland Trail Blazers announced.

  Williams is set to miss the next 4-6 weeks.

  Williams is averaging 5.8 points and 5.9 rebounds in 20 games this season.

• Matisse Thybulle To Make Season Debut After Recovering From Ankle Injury

  Matisse Thybulle will make his 24-25 season debut on Wednesday when the Portland Trail Blazers play the New York Knicks. Thybulle has been out for the entire season with a knee and ankle injury.

  Last season, Thybulle appeared in 65 games with the Blazers and averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 steals in 22.9 minutes.

  Thybulle makes just over $11 million this season and has an $11.55 million player option for next season.

• Meyers Leonard Announces Retirement

  Meyers Leonard announced his retirement from basketball on Sunday. The veteran center played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.

  Leonard was fined $50,000 by the NBA and suspended from team activities in 2021 due to making an anti-Semitic comment during a livestream of him playing a video game. The Heat then traded Leonard to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who subsequently waived him.

  Leonard then missed a season to rehab from injury, while working to making amends and to educate himself after making the anti-Semitic comment. He then signed with the Bucks in 2023, in what would be the final season of his career.

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