Chauncey Billups hires Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer after gambling arrest

After his surprise an arrest as part of an FBI gambling investigation that rocked the NBA, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has made a key legal move in his bid to fight his case, hiring a lawyer who previously represented the president Donald Trump.

The New York Times reports Billups hired attorney Mark Mukassi to represent him in the federal investigation. Mukasey previously represented President Trump, Edward Gallagher and Rudy Giuliani.

Therefore, he is no stranger to such high-profile cases. His defense of Gallagher, a former Navy SEAL, led to his acquittal of murder. Additionally, he represented Sam Bankman-Fried during sentencing after he was convicted of fraud and conspiracy charges. Bankman-Fried was the founder of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTKS.

Chauncey Billups’ arrest was part of a federal gambling investigation

An ongoing federal gambling investigation has led to several arrests. Billups’ arrest was announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025. It came on the same day that Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier’s arrest. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested.

After his arrest, it was revealed that Billups was accused of being involved in an illegal poker operation that was linked to the mob. Billups was allegedly used as a “face card” to lure unwitting gamblers into poker games, where they were then cheated using high-tech equipment.

Meanwhile, Rozier’s arrest was for a “separate but related betting incident.”

Billups is currently a coach, but he was a standout NBA player. He was selected with the third overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, and after his playing career was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

During his career, Billups played for seven NBA teams. He was named to five All-Star teams and was also named to three All-NBA teams.

In 2004, Billups helped lead the Detroit Pistons to the NBA Finals. They won the NBA championship, and Billups was named NBA Finals MVP.

After retiring in 2014, Billups began his coaching career in 2020. He began as an assistant coach under Tyronn Lue with the Los Angeles Clippers.

After the 2020-21 season, Billups was hired as the Blazers’ head coach. They finished no better than fourth in the Northwest Division during his four years as their coach. The 2024-25 season was his best, as the Blazers went 36-46 and he was rewarded with a contract extension.

Billups has since been placed on leave following his arrest and not really involved in the teamwith Tiago Splitter taking over as interim manager in Portland.