Blazers Rumors: Former Celtics GM Danny Ainge Hasn't Been Contacted by Portland

The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly not made contact with former Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge amid the firing of Neil Olshey.

Longtime Portland journalist Dwight Jaynes reported the Blazers are yet to speak with Ainge, who left his post in Boston after the 2020-21 season.

The Blazers fired Olshey on Friday after an investigation found workplace misconduct.

"Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it," the team said in a statement. "We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment."

Joe Cronin is serving as the team's interim general manager while a search takes place for a permanent replacement. The Blazers are in a state of organizational upheaval beyond Olshey, with president and CEO Chris McGowan resigning last month and the team firing longtime coach Terry Stotts after the 2020-21 season.

While Stotts' firing was not a shock, there was widespread criticism over the choice of Chauncey Billups as his replacement. Billups was accused of rape in 1997 during his playing career, and the allegations resurfaced after his hiring.

The Blazers have gotten off to a disappointing 11-13 start this season, with several of their issues that plagued them under Stotts continuing under Billups, particularly on the defensive end. 

Ainge took over as the Celtics' president of basketball operations in 2003 and made several successful moves, highlighted by trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007 that resulted in a 2007-08 championship.

He was also responsible for the team drafting Jayson Tatum (2017) and Jaylen Brown (2016), moves that were made possible by the Celtics cutting bait on the Garnett-Paul Pierce era by dealing the veterans to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.

Ainge spent two seasons in Portland during his playing career.