NBA Fines Blazers $100,000, Suspends Two Executives For Illegal Contact With Yang Hansen
April 2, 2026
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The NBA fined the Portland Trail Blazers 100,000 on Wednesday and suspended two team executives for improper contact made with center Yang Hansen in December 2023, nearly two years before the 7-foot Chinese big man was eligible for the draft. Assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva each received two-week unpaid suspensions. The league ruled that both the franchise and the two officials violated rules governing contact with draft-ineligible players.
Portland self-reported the violation and cooperated fully with the league's investigation. 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. Hansen was selected 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 draft. Portland acquired his rights the same night via a draft-night trade. Prior to entering the NBA, Hansen spent two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China's top professional league. The 21-year-old has appeared in 41 games as a rookie this season for the Blazers, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per contest.
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