Trail Blazers sign 16th overall pick Yang Hansen to rookie contract
Yang was an All-Star in each of his two seasons with Qingdao in the CBA, the top professional league 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.
He will make $4,422,360 next season, according to Spotrac.
The 7-footer posted averages of 14.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 blocks during the 2023-24 season with Qingdao. He was the 2024 CBA Defensive Player of the Year and left as a two-time All-CBA domestic first team selection.
The Trail Blazers acquired the draft rights to Yang, along with a 2028 first-round pick (via Orlando), a 2027 second-round pick (via Atlanta) and a 2028 second-round pick (via Sacramento), from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to Cedric Coward (11th pick).
Yang, born in Zibo, has also represented China at the international level multiple times. He debuted with the senior team during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one block in six appearances.
The recently turned 20-year-old is expected to suit up with the Trail Blazers in the NBA Summer League, beginning July 11 against the Golden State Warriors (11 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).
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