NBA fines Trail Blazers $100,000, suspends two executives over Yang Hansen contact
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NEW YORK — The NBA has penalized the Portland Trail Blazers $100,000 and suspended two front-office members for making impermissible contact with center Yang Hansen in December 2023, nearly two years before the Chinese prospect entered the draft.
Assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva were barred from team duties for two weeks without pay, the league announced Wednesday. Investigators concluded that both executives, along with the organization, violated rules that prohibit communication with draft-ineligible players.
“When this was brought to our attention the Portland Trail Blazers self-reported to the NBA,” the franchise said in a statement. “The team cooperated fully with the investigation and accept the league’s determination.”
Portland obtained Hansen’s rights in a 2025 draft-night trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, who had selected the 7-footer 16th overall. Before entering the NBA, the 22-year-old spent two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China’s top professional league.
Hansen has appeared in 41 games as a rookie this season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes for the Trail Blazers.
Source: ESPN
