Up to 20 years imprisonment! Billups appeared in court and pleaded not guilty, posting a $5 million bail secured by his property.

On November 25th Beijing time, according to AP journalist Marcelo, Trail Blazers head coach and Hall of Famer Billups appeared in court today to plead not guilty to federal charges, rejecting accusations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege his involvement in rigging poker games for financial gain. His bail was set at $5 million, backed by his Colorado real estate, with his wife and daughter jointly guaranteeing it.

Under the bail conditions, Billups must avoid gambling activities and is prohibited from contacting other defendants or alleged victims. He has surrendered his passport and is only allowed travel within seven states, including Oregon (home of the Trail Blazers) and New York. Billups and co-defendants, including former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, attended the hearing today. The next court date is scheduled for March 4th.

According to ESPN, the judge informed all attorneys during today’s hearing of plans to expedite the case, aiming to start the trial before September 2026. Billups faces multiple charges, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Billups was arrested in late October shortly after the Trail Blazers’ season opener, and the NBA subsequently suspended him without pay. The current legal proceedings mean Billups will be unable to return to coaching for the remainder of the season. During his absence, Sprewell has served as the team’s interim head coach.

Marcelo revealed that prosecutors announced today they have begun plea negotiations with some defendants. Billups’ lawyer, Mukasey, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Both sides declined to speak to the media after the hearing.

Prosecutors allege that the poker games involving Billups defrauded victims out of approximately $7 million.

The arrests of Billups, Jones, and Heat guard Rozier (who is federally charged with illegal sports betting activities) shocked the NBA and sports world at the start of the season. In response, the NBA is seeking to strengthen its controls over betting activities related to league events.