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The NBA fines the Portland Trail Blazers $100,000 for illegal contact with Yang Hansen prior to his draft eligibility. The violation occurred in December 2023, two years before the 7-foot Chinese player was selected.
In addition to the fine, the league suspends assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva for two weeks without pay. The NBA cites both the team and the officials for breaching league rules regarding contact with draft-ineligible players.
The Trail Blazers confirm they self-reported the issue upon discovery. They state they fully cooperated with the investigation and accept the league's decision.
Hansen was acquired by the Trail Blazers as part of a draft-night trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025. The Grizzlies selected him with the No. 16 pick. Before entering the NBA, Hansen spent two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China's top professional league.
This season, Hansen has played in 41 games for Portland, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per game. The situation reflects the NBA's strict enforcement of regulations surrounding player contact and eligibility.
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