NBA Fines Blazers’ Rudy Fernandez $25K For Trade Demand

Portland, OR, United States (AHN) – The Portland Trail Blazers swingman Rudy Fernandez was fined $25,000 Thursday for public statements detrimental to the NBA.

Fernandez, who has two years remaining on his current contract, made it publicly known that he demands a trade or be released by the Blazers.

Fernandez spoke via his agent, Andy Miller, who reportedly told news outlets that Fernandez will not be reporting to camp and will sit out until he gets traded or released.

“The impression I’m getting more and more is that he’s lost interest in playing in the NBA, quite frankly,” Miller said. “All I can do now is stand on the rooftop and scream, ‘He’s not coming!’ He’s just not coming back. I’ve made that clear.”

Fernandez reportedly was also not returning calls from Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan.

“I’ve tried to contact Rudy, and he hasn’t returned calls [since the season ended],” McMillan told ESPN.com. “So we’ll just have to see what happens. We’re looking to improve our team at all times, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Tim Frank, an NBA spokesman said the league will investigate if both Fernandez’ and Miller’s comments break the league rules prohibiting players from publicly requesting a trade, according to a report on ESPN.com.

Fernandez posted 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, with 2.1 assists in 35 games last season for Portland.

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