PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Trail Blazers have offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland.
The offer means the often injured 7-foot center becomes a restricted free agent. The Blazers can match any other offer made for Oden.
Oden didn’t play this past season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. He missed his rookie season in 2007-08 after microfracture surgery on his right knee. Two seasons ago he broke his left kneecap.
Because of his injuries, the former Ohio State star has played in only 82 games over parts of two seasons, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.
Portland also extended a qualifying offer to guard Patty Mills and exercised options on forward Luke Babbitt and guard Elliot Williams.
