Current Pacers GM David Morway and former Hornets GM Jeff Bower have emerged as the frontrunners for the Trail Blazers' general manager opening, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Bower has already met with team owner Paul Allen, and Morway will meet with Allen tomorrow to discuss the position.
With Allen looking to cut back on his free-spending ways, the Blazers' owner appears to be targeting executives that have experience with small-market budgets, says Wojnarowski. Morway and Bower played significant roles in constructing talented rosters in Indiana and New Orleans, respectively.
Chad Buchanan, who has served as the Blazers' acting GM over the last year, is also still a candidate for the permanent position. However, team president Larry Miller has said Buchanan won't be formally interviewed, since the franchise is already very familiar with the long-time employee. Bower and Morway are the only two candidates to receive interviews with Allen so far.