Blazers promote Cronin to permanent GM on reported 4-year deal

The Portland Trail Blazers removed Joe Cronin's interim tag and made him their permanent general manager Tuesday.

He was given a four-year deal, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Cronin took over the organization's day-to-day duties on an interim basis following the firing of former president of basketball operations Neil Olshey in December.

"Joe has shown in his short time as interim GM that he is more than ready to continue leading the front office," Trail Blazers chair Jody Allen said in a statement. "We remain excited for the future of Trail Blazers basketball with Joe and (head coach Chauncey Billups) driving a cohesive plan to build an even more competitive and winning roster."

With the Trail Blazers fading quickly from the playoff picture at February's trade deadline, Cronin orchestrated several moves to retool a large chunk of the roster to better complement franchise star Damian Lillard in coming seasons.

Cronin acquired Eric Bledsoe, Keon Johnson, Justise Winslow, and a future second-round selection from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for veterans Robert Covington and Norman Powell. The team then shipped longtime Blazers guard CJ McCollum, forward Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package consisting of young guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, swingman Josh Hart, and a variety of draft compensation.

The executive also opened up more cap space for Portland this summer, taking on injured veteran Joe Ingles' expiring contract from the Utah Jazz.

Portland, which finished with the sixth-worst record in the league this past season at 27-55, is guaranteed to draft no lower than 10th this year, courtesy of Tankathon. The Blazers are likeliest to secure the seventh overall pick at 29.8% odds, but they also have a 9% chance at landing the No. 1 selection.