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NBA trade sends CJ McCollum from Trail Blazers to Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In exchange, New Orleans sent Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Didi Louzada, Tomáš Satoranský, a protected 2022 first round draft pick, and two future second round draft picks to the Blazers.

“On behalf of the Trail Blazers organization, I want to thank CJ McCollum for the integral role he has played in the success of the franchise over the last nine seasons and for his countless acts of service to the Portland community,” said Trail Blazers Interim General Manager Joe Cronin. “CJ has cemented himself in Trail Blazers history with his elite skill level and memorable moments on the court as well as with the work ethic, professionalism and generosity he displays behind the scenes.”

“I also want to thank Larry Nance Jr., Tony Snell and Cody Zeller for their contributions to the organization and community this season,” Cronin continued. “We wish all four players success moving forward.”

McCollum, 6-3, 190, has appeared in 36 games (all starts) for Portland this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35.2 minutes per game while shooting .436 from the field and .384 from deep. Drafted tenth overall by Portland in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Lehigh, the nine-year NBA veteran has appeared in 564 career games (467 starts) with the Blazers, averaging 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.5 minutes per game while shooting .453 from the field and .396 from deep. McCollum has also appeared in 57 career playoff games (47 starts) throughout his career, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest.

Nance Jr., 6-7, 245, has appeared in 37 games (11 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. Drafted 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Wyoming, Nance Jr. has appeared in 387 career games (134 starts) with Portland, Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24.1 minutes per game.

Snell, 6-6, 213, has appeared in 38 games (10 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. Drafted 20th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of New Mexico, Snell has appeared in 586 career games (308 starts) with Portland, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, averaging 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. Snell has also appeared in 47 career playoff games (8 starts) throughout his career, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per contest.

Alexander-Walker, 6-5, 205, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, has appeared in 50 games (19 starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.3 minutes per game. In three seasons with New Orleans, Alexander-Walker appeared in 143 games (33 starts), averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.

Hart, 6-5, 215, who was originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade on July 6, 2019, appeared in 41 games (40 starts) for New Orleans this season, averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. Hart has appeared in 283 career games (105 starts) with New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers, holding averages of 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.0 minutes per game.

Louzada, 6-5, 210, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, appeared in five games off the bench for the Pelicans over the last two seasons, averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 rebound in 12.6 minutes per game.

Satoranský, 6-7, 210, who was originally acquired by New Orleans from the Chicago Bulls on August 8, 2021, appeared in 32 games (three starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 15.0 minutes per game. Satoranský has appeared in 365 career games (172 starts) over six seasons with New Orleans, Chicago, and Washington, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 22.4 minutes per game.

Trail Blazers trade Norman Powell and Robert Covington to Clippers for Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow and Keon Johnson

The LA Clippers have acquired Norman Powell and Robert Covington from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and the Pistons 2025 second-round pick, announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations.

Powell, 28, appeared in 40 games for the Trail Blazers this season and started 39 of them, averaging 18.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Originally selected with the 46th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Powell has appeared in 416 career games with the Trail Blazers and Raptors, averaging 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field.

“Norm is a two-way player who can score from all three levels, spread the floor with his shooting and guard multiple positions with his length and versatility,” said Frank. “He was part of a championship team in Toronto before joining the Blazers. Norm has SoCal roots, having grown up in San Diego and starred at UCLA, and we’re thrilled to bring him back.”

Covington, 31, appeared in 48 games for the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 7.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals. The Tennessee State University graduate has appeared in 514 career games, averaging 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals with Houston, Philadelphia, Minnesota and Portland. Covington was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team in 2017-18.

“Robert is a proven vet, a versatile wing and an excellent team defender who also stretches the floor with his shooting,” added Frank.

Bledsoe, 32, has appeared in 53 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 9.9 points, 4.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds. The Birmingham, Ala., native has appeared in 755 games and owns career averages of 13.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 27.8 minutes during his 12-year NBA career with the Clippers, Suns, Bucks and Pelicans. Selected 18th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, Bledsoe has been named to two NBA All-Defensive Teams and was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2011.

“Eric is a model teammate and was a rock for us this season: running the offense, defending the ball and attacking the rim,” said Frank. “Every night, he answered the call, helping us remain competitive even when shorthanded.”

Winslow, 25, has appeared in 37 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists. The 6-foot-6 forward has played in 304 career games with averages of 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists over seven seasons with Miami, Memphis and the Clippers. The 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Duke University, Winslow was named to the 2015-16 All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds.

“Justise’s role often changed, depending on circumstances, but his preparation, professionalism and upbeat spirit never wavered,” said Frank. “He too played an integral part in the competitiveness of the group with his playmaking and defense.”

Johnson, 19, was selected 21st overall in the 2021 NBA Draft and appeared in 15 games for the Clippers, averaging 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 9.0 minutes. The 6-foot-4 guard has also played in seven games for the Clippers G League affiliate, where he averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 31.1 minutes. The Shelbyville, Tenn., native played one season at the University of Tennessee, where he was named to the 2020-21 SEC All-Freshman First Team.

“Keon is an incredible athlete, with a bright future, who demonstrated his potential on the NBA and G League stages. He has a long and promising career ahead,” said Frank.

Trail Blazers forward Nassir Little will undergo season-ending should surgery

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nassir Little will undergo surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.

The surgery will be performed on Tuesday, February 1 by Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Little will miss the remainder of the season.

In 42 games this season (23 starts), Little averaged career highs of 9.8 points (46.0% FG, 33.1% 3-PT, 73.4% FT), 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.86 blocks and 25.9 minutes.

Per the Oregonian, “losing Little hurts the Blazers in a variety of ways. Little was having the best statistical month of his career. In eight games, Little averaged 13.1 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 45.4% from the field and 40.3% on threes. On the season, Little averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Defensively, Little had proven to be one of the team’s best perimeter defenders. His athleticism and energy helped lead to fast break points, offensive rebounds, captured loose balls and high-flying dunks.”

Trail Blazers forward Nassir Little suffers shoulder injury

An MRI taken January 26 revealed Trail Blazers forward Nassir Little with a left shoulder labral tear.

The injury occurred with 8:11 remaining in the fourth quarter of Portland’s game against Minnesota on January 25.

An update on his status will be provided as available. This sort of injury can often be season-ending.

In 42 games this season (23 starts), Little is averaging career highs of 9.8 points (46.0% FG, 33.1% 3-PT, 73.4% FT), 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.86 blocks and 25.9 minutes.

Portland Trail Blazers announce multiple basketball staff updates

The Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations Dewayne Hankins and Interim General Manager Joe Cronin announced promotions in leadership and basketball staff to align with future business goals.

Ashley Clinkscale has been promoted to Executive Vice President / Chief Communications and Impact Officer. In this new role, Clinkscale will continue to oversee Corporate Communications, Community and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and in addition will be overseeing Basketball Communications, Player Relations and Alumni Relations.

Andrea Bailey has been promoted to Executive Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer. Bailey will oversee all revenue departments including Commercial Partnerships, Ticket Sales & Service, Premium Sales & Service and lead on finding emerging revenue streams utilizing digital assets, esports and our facilities.

Ryan Flaherty has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing. Flaherty will oversee Brand & Fan Development, Broadcast, Content, Creative Services, Game Operations & Events and Retail, all teams integral to creating Trail Blazers fans and growing the brand internationally.

Rebecca Felch has transitioned to the role of Chief of Staff. In this role, Felch will drive forward business objectives while playing a key role in annual business planning. She has been with the Trail Blazers for over seven years working as both Executive Assistant to the President / CEO and Chief of Staff.

Hankins will continue overseeing the new leadership team after taking over as President of Business Operations in November 2021, his ninth season with the Trail Blazers organization, with the goal of creating a more innovative, data-driven business model.

“I’m excited to announce these leadership changes and for where we are heading as one united organization,” said Hankins. “Our employees, fans and community stakeholders expect a lot from us, and this realignment will best prepare us for the challenge.”

Additionally, Interim General Manager Joe Cronin has announced promotions and new team members to the Basketball Operations department.

Geoff Clark has been promoted to Director of Player Health and Performance. With over 24 years of experience with the Trail Blazers, including the last 12 as Head Athletic Trainer, Clark will lead the Trail Blazers team of medical and performance staff in providing preventative maintenance and rehabilitative health care to players. The recipient of the 2014 National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association Trainer of the Year award, his experience includes four minor league seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and an eight-year physical therapy stint while being assigned to the CBA’s Yakima Sun Kings.

After two and a half seasons as the Trail Blazers Assistant Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist, Jessica Cohen has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer. Cohen is credentialed as both a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Licensed Physical Therapist. In 2021, she became board certified in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Cohen joined the Trail Blazers from the WNBA where she spent two seasons as the Atlanta Dream’s Head Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist following five seasons with the Chicago Sky.

Dr. Chantelle Green joins the Trail Blazers as the Director of Mind Health & Wellness. In this role, Dr. Green is responsible for helping players deal psychologically with the demands of the sport and to improve their personal development and performance. She will also provide mind health education and awareness to players and staff.

Sheri Sam is joining the Trail Blazers as Scouting Manager. Sam will work closely with the team’s basketball operations staff, performing a number of player evaluation, information gathering, salary cap and basketball analytics duties.

“As we continue forward, we want to align all aspects of our business and set up our players and staff for success,” said Cronin. “These promotions and new team members represent a great step in achieving that goal.”

Injury update on Trail Blazers forward Larry Nance Jr.

An MRI completed last night showed no significant damage to the right knee of Trail Blazers forward Larry Nance Jr., the team announced today.

Nance injured the knee in the third quarter of Portland’s game against Miami on Wednesday, January 5. He will be reevaluated in one week.

Through 37 games for the Trail Blazers this season (11 starts), Nance is averaging 6.9 points (51.5% FG, 30.6% 3-PT, 65.3% FT), 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.03 steals.

Latest health update on Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will undergo further evaluation and consultation concerning his lower abdominal tendinopathy, the team announced today.

Lillard will miss Portland’s next three games against Miami (Jan. 5), Cleveland (Jan. 7) and Sacramento (Jan. 9). He will be reevaluated next week.

Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

In 29 games (all starts) this season, Lillard has averaged 24.0 points (40.2% FG, 32.4% 3-PT, 89.3% FT), 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 36.4 minutes per game. Among NBA leaders, he ranks 11th in scoring, 10th in assists and 16th in free throw percentage.

Trail Blazers hire Rodney Billups as an assistant coach

The Portland Trail Blazers have named Rodney Billups as an assistant coach.

Billups, 38, is the younger brother of Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.

Billups joins the Portland staff from Milwaukee where he served as a scout for the Bucks this season. Prior to that he was the head coach at the University of Denver for five seasons (2016-21). Billups was also a standout collegiate player for Denver (2002-05).

Before joining Denver, Billups served as director of basketball operations for two seasons (2010-12) and as an assistant coach for four seasons (2012-2016) at the University of Colorado under head coach Tad Boyle.

Following his collegiate playing career, Billups played professionally with BK Riga of the Latvian Basketball League and Kouvot of the Finnish Korisliiga before joining the college coaching ranks.

Portland Trail Blazers sign Reggie Perry to a 10-day contract

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward/center Reggie Perry to a 10-day contract, via the NBA’s Hardship Exception.

Perry, 21, has appeared in 11 games (all starts) for the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League this season, posting averages of 19.7 points (47.8% FG, 37.7% 3-PT, 75.9% FT), 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.09 blocks in 32.0 minutes per game. Selected by the LA Clippers with the 57th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to Brooklyn, Perry (6-8, 250) averaged 3.0 points (41.0% FG, 19.0% 3-PT, 76.9% FT), 2.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 8.1 minutes in 26 appearances for the Nets last season. The Mississippi State product also played in 15 games (14 starts) for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League in 2020-21, averaging 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

He will wear No. 18 for the Trail Blazers.

Trail Blazers sign Jarron Cumberland, Cameron McGriff and Brandon Williams to 10-day contracts

The Trail Blazers have signed guard Jarron Cumberland, forward Cameron McGriff and guard Brandon Williams to 10-day contracts, via the NBA’s Hardship Exception.

Cumberland, 24, arrives in Portland after averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists and earning MVP honors at the 2021 NBA G League Winter Showcase. In 13 total games (three starts) for the Delaware Blue Coats this season, Cumberland (6-5, 205) has averaged 9.4 points (43.2% FG, 34.1% 3-PT, 85.7% FT), 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.08 steals and 21.1 minutes. A four-year player at Cincinnati (2016-20), he went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft before playing eight games for the Rio Grande Vipers and Raptors 905 of the NBA G League in 2020-21. Cumberland will wear No. 34 for the Trail Blazers.

McGriff, 24, joins the Trail Blazers from the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. In 14 games (one start) this season, McGriff (6-7, 220) has averaged 10.2 points (45.5% FG, 36.4% 3-PT, 84.6% FT), 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 22.4 minutes. After a four-year career at Oklahoma State (2016-20), he went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft and played the 2020-21 season for Okapi Aalstar in Belgium. He will wear No. 8 for Portland.

Williams, 22, has appeared in 10 games (six starts) for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League this season, averaging 17.7 points (36.4% FG, 28.3% 3-PT, 83.3% FT), 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.00 steals and 31.1 minutes. The Arizona product earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Honorable Mention honors during the 2018-19 season before redshirting his sophomore campaign and going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. Williams (6-2, 190) will wear No. 5 for the Trail Blazers.