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NBA

Trail Blazers execs fined $100K and suspended for draft scouting violation

Published

Closeup shot of Portland Trail Blazer center Yang Hansen.
Soobum Im -- IMAGN IMAGES

The Portland Trail Blazers have been fined $100,000 for illegal communications they had with center Yang Hansen before the 2025 NBA Draft, the league announced on Wednesday.

General managers Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz have also been suspended for two weeks without pay after the NBA concluded that they made illegal contact with Hansen during the 2023-24 season.

“When this was brought to our attention the Portland Trail Blazers self-reported to the NBA,” the team said in a statement. “The team cooperated fully with the investigation and accept the league’s determination.”

The Blazers eventually drafted Hansen with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he’s seen very limited minutes this season.

In 41 games so far this season for Portland, he’s averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per game.

James Parker contributed to this story.

About the Author Published Apr 1, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.

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