NBA Rumors: Blazers, Tiago Splitter, Bulls, James Borrego, Hawks

Trail Blazers

Maybe Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter shouldn’t be counted out in Portland just yet.

A couple weeks after reporting Splitter was unlikely to land the permanent head coaching job, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line says there are now “whispers” around the league that the possibility remains alive.

Splitter took over under extremely unusual circumstances after Chauncey Billups was arrested on federal charges shortly after the season opener and subsequently placed on unpaid leave.

All Splitter did afterward was steady the situation and guide Portland to a 42-39 record and its first playoff appearance in five years.

According to Fischer, the former NBA big man also earned considerable respect around the league for how he handled a difficult situation internally.

Still, there appears to be skepticism about whether new owner Tom Dundon is fully sold.

NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin reported the “buzz in league circles” is that Dundon is not a major Splitter supporter.

Other candidates linked to Portland’s opening include Micah Nori, Jared Dudley, Steve Hetzel and Greg St. Jean.

Bulls

The Bulls continue building out a fairly wide coaching search following the departure of Billy Donovan.

According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson and Fischer, the Bulls are expected to interview several candidates, including Sean Sweeney, James Borrego, Nori and current Chicago assistant Wes Unseld Jr.

Thunder assistant Dave Bliss is also expected to interview.

And interestingly enough, Chicago reportedly plans to request permission to speak with Splitter as well.

Whether Portland allows that remains unclear, since Splitter is still technically under contract with the Blazers through next season.

Hawks

Looks like Quin Snyder isn’t going anywhere.

Fischer reported that a contract extension between Snyder and the Hawks is now considered imminent after earlier reporting suggested talks were coming.

General manager Onsi Saleh publicly praised Snyder following Atlanta’s playoff exit, and the organization appears committed to keeping continuity in place.

According to Fischer, Snyder’s new deal is expected to land somewhere in the eight-figure range annually.

So yes, coaching salaries around the NBA continue getting pretty wild.