Day: April 7, 2025

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.

When the Phoenix Suns engaged in trade discussions involving Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, they were reportedly looking for a massive haul in return. That, combined with Durant not wanting to be traded in-season, were the reasons Phoenix didn’t make a trade.

However, those conversations likely set the stage for a trade this summer. The Suns are still looking for a major return for Durant, but may need to settle for less. Durant is likely to want to play for a contender, and most contenders are carrying a lot of salary. That can make it difficult for Phoenix to find a trade partner in a deal, as trades between teams dealing with the tax aprons can be tricky.

That could lead the Suns to turning from a package of win-now players and draft capital to one that provides Phoenix with much needed salary and roster flexibility. Also potential limiting the return is that Durant is 37 years old and may be looking for a two-year extension worth as much as $120 million.

Jamal Murray remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury, according to Michael Malone.

Murray missed his fifth straight game on Sunday as the Nuggets lost to the Pacers 125-120.

“This has been a weird one,” said Michael Malone. “It was day-to-day, day-to-day. The next thing you know it’s not day-to-day. So, obviously a big loss for us. But we have more than enough.

When asked whether Murray would return for the playoffs, Malone added “Hopefully, he’s able to be back by then.”

The Nuggets are currently on a four-game losing streak.