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Injured Boomers veteran Joe Ingles has been traded by the Utah Jazz to the Portland Trailblazers as part of a three-team NBA deal.
The 34-year-old Ingles has been a hugely popular player for the Jazz since arriving in 2014 after being cut by the Los Angeles Clippers but he suffered a season-ending ACL injury on January 30.
ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski reports Ingles has been dealt to Portland, while the Jazz will receive Blazers guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and San Antonio Spurs forward Juancho Hernangomez.
“Today hurts… I knew it was a possibility but didn’t want to believe it, we have been lucky to call this place home for 8 years!” Ingles said.
I got a lot more to say, but I’m going to have a beer & relax with some good friends..
Go get a win fellas! I’ll always be watching.”
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Because of his injury, Ingles’ value to the Blazers comes from his expiring $US13 million contract.
Since Ingles is a free agent after the season, Wojnarowski reports the Australian native could return to Utah in the offseason.
Ingles himself acknowledged a trade was possible when he met with the media following the injury last week.
“If I’m able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that,” said Ingles. “I’m not going to sit here and be sour and upset.”
Alexander-Walker was traded for the second time in two days after being dealt by the Pelicans in the deal that will bring C.J. McCollum to New Orleans. The 17th pick in the 2019 draft, Alexander-Walker is averaging 12.8 points per game this season.
The Spurs will receive Tomas Satoransky, along with one of Utah’s second-round draft picks; while in addition to Ingles, the Blazers will get forward Elijah Hughes from the Jazz and another of their second-round picks.
