NBA: Blazers Trade Juan Dixon for Former Oregon Star Fred Jones

“It’s always fun to add such a talented player with such strong local connections to our roster”, said Trail Blazers President/General Manager Steve Patterson.

The Portland Trail Blazers Thursday acquired guard/forward Fred Jones, a former Oregon Duck. Photo: Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND - The Portland Trail Blazers Thursday acquired guard/forward Fred Jones, a former Oregon Duck, and future considerations from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard Juan Dixon.

As part of the trade, Jones has agreed not to exercise the player option year of his contract, meaning his current deal will expire at the end of the 2007-08 season.

“It’s always fun to add such a talented player with such strong local connections to our roster”, said Trail Blazers President/General Manager Steve Patterson. “Fred is a versatile athlete with high character and a great track record of community involvement and we think he fits perfectly into the culture we’ve been cultivating here in Portland.”

Jones has played in 39 games this season with nine starts and is averaging 7.6 points and 1.4 assists per game.

He joined the Raptors this past summer as a free agent after four seasons with the Indiana Pacers, who drafted Jones in the first round (14th overall pick) in the 2002 NBA Draft, three spots ahead of Dixon that year.

For his career, the 6-2, 225-pound Gresham, Ore., native has played in 284 games with 28 starts, averaging 7.7 points, 2.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Winner of the 2004 Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Championship at All-Star Weekend, Jones counts career highs of 31 points (twice), 10 rebounds, eight assists and five steals.

“We want to wish Juan the best and we’re looking forward to watching him help Toronto in the playoffs,” said Patterson. “Juan is a skilled shooter and always willing to put in the time on the floor and in the weight room to make his game even better and we appreciate the work ethic he helped instill in our younger players.”

Dixon signed with Portland as a free agent on Aug. 4th, 2005, after three seasons with the Washington Wizards.

He played in 131 games with 43 starts with the Trail Blazers and averaged 11.1 points and 1.8 assists per game.

For the season, Dixon has played in 55 games with one start and is averaging 8.9 points and 1.5 assists per game.

were the blazers stupid juan dixon is the best he has a national championship ring and the other guy doesn't. raptors need to pick up steve blake so dixon can be reunited with former teammate on 3 seperate occassions

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