Why were the Portland Trail Blazers fined $100,000 by the NBA?

The Portland Trail Blazers were fined $100,000 because their front office engaged in illegal contact with prospect Yang Hansen two years before he was drafted.

Which Portland Trail Blazers front office members were suspended?

Assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva were suspended for two weeks for their roles in contacting Yang Hansen.

When did the Portland Trail Blazers contact Yang Hansen?

The contact occurred in December 2023, when Schmitz and Oliva scouted Hansen in China, which was before he had declared for the NBA Draft.

Home / Sports / Blazers Fined $100K for Illegal Contact with Draft Pick

Blazers Fined $100K for Illegal Contact with Draft Pick

2 Apr

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Summary

Portland Trail Blazers fined $100,000 by NBA for rule violations.
Two front office members suspended two weeks for contacting prospect.
Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center, was a surprise 2025 Draft selection.

Blazers Fined $100K for Illegal Contact with Draft Pick

The NBA imposed a $100,000 fine on the Portland Trail Blazers and a two-week suspension for two front office members. This action follows illegal contact with prospect Yang Hansen, which occurred in December 2023. Assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva were suspended for scouting Hansen in China before he made an early declaration for the draft.

Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China, was an unexpected 16th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Trail Blazers stated they self-reported the violations to the league and fully cooperated with the investigation. Hansen has played in 41 games this season, averaging 2.3 points, with notable G-League performance.

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