The stingy owner of the Blazers keeps cutting with the chainsaw in the franchise

Tom Dundon's cost-cutting policy at the helm of the Portland Trail Blazers continues to generate enormous controversy. Just a few months after laying off around 70 employees as part of an internal restructuring, the franchise owner has once again cut costs with a new wave of departures directly affecting the broadcasting team.

As reported by The Oregonian, the iconic voice of the Blazers, Kevin Calabro, will be leaving the organization after both parties failed to reach an agreement to renew his contract. Although the franchise portrayed the decision as part of a reorganization, the narrator himself made it clear that he is not leaving of his own volition.

A "subprime" offer as a dig at Dundon

Calabro explained that he received an economic proposal that he described as "subprime", a comment with a clear ironic undertone aimed at Dundon.

The remark was not casual. The businessman amassed a significant portion of his fortune through the "subprime" car finance business, a type of credit granted to customers with higher financial risk. With that comparison, the veteran commentator hinted that the economic offer from the Blazers fell well below what he considered acceptable.

"I am not retiring," Calabro made it clear, revealing that he is already in talks with other NBA franchises to continue his career.

Not only Calabro: more layoffs in Blazers' television

The departures do not end with the legendary commentator. As reported by Forbes, the following have also been dismissed:

• Michael Holton, television analyst.

• Tom Haberstroh, statistician.

• Neil Everett, presenter.

• Jamie Hudson, presenter.

This represents a significant overhaul of the franchise's audiovisual team, further highlighting Dundon's commitment to cutting expenses.

The team's statement

The Trail Blazers confirmed the changes through a statement in which they thanked the work done by all the affected professionals.

"We are deeply grateful to all the individuals who have contributed to our award-winning broadcasts over the years. We cannot comment on individual personnel decisions, but we can confirm that we are making changes for the upcoming season as we continue to adapt to the evolution of the broadcasting industry and strive to be more efficient in our operations."

The franchise added that radio broadcasts will continue during the 2026-27 season and will no longer be simulcast with television broadcasts.

An increasingly criticized cost-saving policy

The news comes just a few months after Dundon ordered the dismissal of approximately 70 organization employees, a decision that had already sparked numerous criticisms among American fans and media.

Now, the departure of one of the most recognized NBA broadcasters and the elimination of a significant portion of the television team reinforce the perception that the new owner is implementing an extremely austere policy since arriving in Portland.

Calabro bids a fond farewell to Portland

Despite his disagreement with the management, Kevin Calabro wanted to say goodbye, expressing gratitude for the years spent with the franchise.

"I feel very good about this decision. I am grateful to have had one of the 30 broadcaster positions in the NBA and to work so close to my home in Seattle. I will always be part of Blazers' history. I carry great memories and friendships."

Calabro had been the voice of the Trail Blazers since 2016, with the only exception of the 2020-21 season when he decided to take a break to spend more time with his family. His departure marks the end of a much-loved era by Portland fans and a new chapter in Tom Dundon's controversial management.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El tacañón dueño de los Blazers sigue sacando la montosierra en la franquicia