What Happens to Rudy Fernandez Now?

The Rudy Fernandez trade demand situation seems to be getting out of control, and giving Fernandez a bad reputation. He is still under contract with the team for the next two years, and the Blazers already came out and send that they have no plans on releasing him so he can either join another NBA team or return to play professional basketball in Europe. Fernandez also did not have that great of a showing during the FIBA Tournament which may have not helped increase his trade value around the NBA. Furthermore, training camp is around the corner for most teams throughout the NBA, and the team is expecting Fernandez to report, and if he does not as he has been threatening, then things could get worse.

Fernandez, I believe needs to come out and publicly apologize for the comments that were made through his American agent, and then report to training camp with the Blazers. After reporting, he should tell them that he still wants to be dealt elsewhere, but will be with the team until the move is made. This should help the TrailBlazers who are looking for a first-round draft pick in exchange for Rudy, and thus far have been exploring trade options, but have not found something that they have liked enough.

There was a rumor out there that the TrailBlazers were ready to send Rudy to the New Orleans Hornets where former Assistant Coach Monty Williams took over the reins, but Fernandez rejected the offer, and things are back once again to square one.

However, most recently, Fernandez is “impressed” with the TrailBlazers at this point in time, and is expected report to training camp ready to play. However, I would think that the team is looking to move him and start the season without worrying about having unhappy players on their roster.

This will be an interesting story to follow as teams may be looking to make roster changes before the season starts in approximately one month’s time.