Dealt to Portland The Trail Blazers acquired Louzada (knee) on Tuesday along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, a 2022 protected first-round pick and two future second-round... Impact As a 23-year-old on a rookie deal, Louzada's developmental timeline theoretically aligns with Portland's rebuilding effort, but that doesn't mean that he's necessarily part of their long-term plans. Since making the jump from Australia to the NBA late in the 2020-21 season, Louzada made only five appearances for the Pelicans. A 25-game suspension earlier in the current season for violating the NBA's anti-drug program may have cost him some playing time, but the defensive-minded wing hadn't been included in the Pelicans' rotation anyway. Shortly after his suspension lapsed, Louzada was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee in late January and has since undergone surgery. Louzada also recently tested positive for COVID-19, but he's since cleared the health and safety protocols and will be able to report to Portland to have his rehab program monitored. Louzada is without an official timeline to return from surgery, but it's possible his absence extends through the remainder of the season.
FEBRUARY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE