The Portland Trail Blazers have had their eyes on centre Yang Hansen for a while, and it cost them.
The NBA announced Wednesday that the Trail Blazers have been fined $100,000 for violating league rules governing contact with draft-ineligible players after scouting Hansen in Dec. 2023.
In addition to the fine, assistant general managers Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz were both suspended for two weeks without pay.
"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 team said in a statement to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Blazers eventually acquired Hansen in a Draft-Day trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025, taking him 16th overall out of the Qingdao Eagles in China.
Considered a raw prospect, Hansen has yet to make a solid impact with his NBA club, averaging only 2.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists while shooting 31 per cent from the field and 11.9 per cent from three-point range in 7.2 minutes per game. He has only suited up for 41 games in Portland this season.
However, he has found his footing in the G League with the Rip City Remix, averaging 17.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks in 30.8 minutes a night over 14 regular-season games.
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