Spanish swingman Rudy Fernandez was fined 25,000 dollars by the NBA on Thursday for "public statements detrimental to the NBA" after his agent said he did want to play for Portland this coming season.
Fernandez's agent, Andy Miller, told several reporters that his client wants to play in Europe next season and is even willing to sit out for the next two seasons remaining on his contract with the Trail Blazers.
A statement by the NBA said it was the statements about Fernandez wanting to be traded or released by the Trail Blazers that prompted the fine.
Fernandez has been unhappy at seeing little playing time with Portland. he averaged 8.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game last season. The Spaniard missed 20 games because of injuries.
Rich Cho, the Trail Blazers' general manager, said the team has considered several possible trade deals involving Fernandez but none of them were right for the club.
Copyright 2010 AFP American Edition
