Emilio V. Escudero of Spanish website ABC.es reports that Valencia forward Victor Claver, a 2009 first round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, could be preparing to buy out of his contract with Valencia of Spain's ACB league so that he can make the jump to the NBA. -------------------------- @raulcosin tells me that Victor Claver has told Valencia Basket he's leaving, and that he will pay the $600.000 buy-out clause to play for Portland -------------------------- -------------------------- Update: Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports that Blazers GM Neil Olshey tossed cold water on the report. -------------------------- "Nothing new to report on our end. Both sides continue to have an interest in Victor coming over." -------------------------- -------------------------- Update: Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune with a longer quote from Olshey. -------------------------- Olshey: That didn’t come from the Blazers, so I’m not going to comment. But I’ve always liked Victor as a player. He is clearly talented. It’s a time when we’re in asset-acquisition phase, seeking good, young players. If there were ever an opportunity for him to come over and develop, this would be the best time. -------------------------- Hat tip/Translation: HoopsHype.com ed: text edited, bumped to front page