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The one move the Portland Trail Blazers made before the NBA Trade Deadline sent Noah Vonleh to the Chicago Bulls in order to duck the luxury tax. Vonleh came to the Blazers in the 2015 offseason as Nicolas Batum was sent to the Charlotte Hornets. He never became an integral part of the rotation, but he made the most of his minutes while being a positive locker room presence.
After news of his trade Thursday, the Blazers reacted with excitement over the opportunity he now has on a rebuilding Bulls team.
CJ McCollum offered Vonleh’s response while noting he’ll be missed:
CJ McCollum said Noah Vonleh handled today’s trade well. “He understood. He wants to take advantage of the situation at hand.”
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) February 9, 2018
More McCollum on Vonleh: “You never want to see anyone traded. Noah was such a good guy, a hard worker. I hope (Chicago) is a good opportunity for him.”
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) February 9, 2018
Damian Lillard took to Instagram for a light-hearted message:
Pat Connaughton shared a picture from Vonleh’s buzzer-beater last year while highlighting their Boston connection:
Ed Davis, whose future was up in the air at the deadline as well, reflected on the relationship he and Vonleh have:
Noah Vonleh had dinner at Ed Davis' house last night. They talked about the trade deadline. "It's tough to see him go because of the relationship me and him had. That's not going to change,'' Davis said.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) February 9, 2018
And head coach Terry Stotts gave a classy goodbye:
Terry Stotts on @NoahVonleh, traded today to Bulls: “That’s the unfortunate part of the business. Noah is a really good person, a really good player, a really good teammate. I’m appreciative of the time he spent here and wish him nothing but the best.” #Blazers #ripcity
— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) February 9, 2018
You can read Eric Griffith’s in-depth breakdown of the trade here at Blazer’s Edge, and you can get a Chicago perspective from SB Nation’s Blog a Bull.