Trail Blazers disciplined for draft violation involving Yang Hansen

The Portland Trail Blazers have been fined $100,000 by the NBA for violating rules governing contact with a draft-eligible player, the league announced on Wednesday.

The violation stemmed from the scouting of Yang Hansen in December 2023, when the center was playing with Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association. The incident occurred prior to Yang becoming eligible to be drafted.

Additionally, assistant general managers Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz have each been suspended by the league for two weeks without pay for their roles in the illegal contact with Yang. The organization took full responsibility for the incident.

"When this was brought to our attention, the Portland Trail Blazers self-reported to the NBA," the team said in a statement, via Shams Charania of ESPN . "The team cooperated fully with the investigation and accepts the league's determination."

Yang was the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA draft after establishing himself as an All-Star in each of the past two seasons in China. He averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, three assists and 2.6 blocks in 32.8 minutes per game across 45 appearances last season.

The 7-footer has played sporadically with the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes across 41 games. He recorded a season-high nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one block in a loss to the Phoenix Suns on. Nov. 18.

Yang has logged 19 appearances in the G League, averaging 16.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 59.2% from the field with the Rip City Remix. He produced a career-high 31 points and eight rebounds on March 11.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Trail Blazers news: Team fined $100K over Yang Hansen draft violation