The NBA has fined the Portland Trail Blazers $100,000 and suspended Assistant General Managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva for two weeks without pay for violating the league rules governing contact with draft-ineligible players in connection to the team’s scouting of rookie Yang Hansen in December 2023.
The NBA released this statement on Wednesday announcing the fine and suspensions:
ESPN’s Sham Charania reported this statement
from the Trail Blazers organization in response to the news:
“When this was brought to our attention the Portland Trail Blazers self reported to the NBA. The team cooperated fully with the investigation and accept the league’s determination.”
The Blazers selected Yang with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The selection made him the highest drafted player from China since 2007. Yang has appeared in 41 games this season, averaging 2.3 points and 7.2 minutes per game.
Blazer’s Edge will have more on this story as it develops.
