Blazers ink Billups to reported 5-year deal to become head coach

The Portland Trail Blazers officially named Chauncey Billups as the 15th head coach in franchise history, president of basketball operations Neil Olshey announced Sunday.

The Los Angeles Clippers assistant has agreed to a five-year deal with the Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Billups' contract reportedly includes a team option for the fifth year. The organization will introduce the 44-year-old Tuesday at a press conference in Portland.

"Chauncey is a proven leader with an elite basketball IQ that has won everywhere he has been," Olshey said in a statement. "He is prepared for the challenge of developing the championship habits and strategic approach we need to achieve the expectations and goals for our franchise."

Olshey claimed Billups off waivers in 2011 when he was the Clippers' GM. The pair's relationship - along with Lillard's endorsement - apparently swayed the former Finals MVP to choose Portland over other head coaching vacancies.

Billups spent this past campaign on Tyronn Lue's staff in Los Angeles. The five-time All-Star received interest from various clubs for front office and head coach openings in previous offseasons.

"I'm very excited and humbled to be the next coach of the Trail Blazers," Billups said in a statement. "Portland is a special place and a unique franchise. As a player, I always loved playing here because the passion and knowledge of the fans brought out the very best in me as a competitor.

"Now, I'm looking forward to being on the other side of that energy and engaging with the Portland community on a whole other level."

Two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike D'Antoni and San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon were also said to be in the running for the Blazers' gig.

Portland parted ways with head coach Terry Stotts in early June after a nine-year run. The Blazers fell in six games to the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.