One-Year Head Coach Deal in Portland Has Fans Asking if Tom Dundon Is Serious

The Portland Trail Blazers finally have their guy. After Tiago Splitter left for Chicago, the organization spent weeks searching for a replacement. They landed on Micah Nori, the longtime Timberwolves assistant who filled in as head coach during Minnesota’s 2024 Western Conference Finals run. On paper, it’s a solid hire. Nori is 52, respected around the league, and has been waiting for a shot like this.

But the contract? That’s where things get weird.

Jason Quick of The Athletic broke the news Tuesday: Nori signed a one-year deal with team options for each of the next two seasons. One year. For a head coach. That’s basically unheard of in the NBA, where first-time coaches usually get at least three years to build something. Fans noticed immediately, and they didn’t waste any time blaming Blazers owner Tom Dundon.

“Nothing says ‘we believe in you’ like a 1 year contract with a team option… for a head coach. This Blazers owner is a complete joke,” one fan wrote on social media.

Another chimed in: “As a Wolves fan I hate to see Nori go. I think he’ll be great. What a terrible contract. Dundon is a piece of work.”

Dundon’s Reputation Precedes Him

This isn’t the first time Dundon has caught heat for pinching pennies. Over the last few months, reports have painted a picture of an owner who treats expenses like they’re personal insults. He refused to bring two-way players on the team’s playoff road trips. He declined to provide shirts for fans at home games. And despite Splitter putting together a strong season in Portland, Dundon essentially let him walk rather than negotiate a new deal.

The message is starting to land the wrong way. Coaches and agents talk. When an owner sticks a 52-year-old assistant with a one-year prove-it deal, other potential hires take notice. The Blazers aren’t exactly a free-agent destination right now, and this kind of move doesn’t help.

Nori’s Resume Speaks for Itself

For what it’s worth, Nori has earned the promotion. He’s been an assistant for over a decade, most recently under Chris Finch in Minnesota. When Finch went down with a knee injury during the 2024 playoffs, Nori stepped in and kept the Wolves competitive on the biggest stage. That kind of experience matters.

Now he needs to do it for a full season while knowing the front office can pull the plug after 82 games. He’ll likely try to prove himself fast and hope Dundon opens up the checkbook before the team options even come into play.

Either way, Nori is the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. For at least one season. Maybe more. It’s up to him — and Dundon — to figure out the rest.