Portland Trail Blazers

Lore & Background

In January 1983, Spoelstra was effectively traded in one of the most unusual transactions in NBA history. While serving as vice president of marketing for Portland, the Indiana Pacers offered veteran guard Don Buse to the Blazers in exchange for Spoelstra's temporary services as a marketing consultant. This move occurred after Pacers starter Darnell Valentine suffered an injury and the franchise faced financial struggles that threatened a sale to California or the NBA itself. Although initially thought to be a joke, owner Larry Weinberg approved the deal, framing it officially as "Don Buse for cash and other considerations," with Spoelstra acting as the "other consideration." He spent one week in Indianapolis (one week less than planned) meeting prospective buyers before returning to Portland with a DEC desktop computer the Pacers had promised him.

In Their Own Story

The transaction proved beneficial for both franchises. Don Buse joined the Trail Blazers and helped the team reach the 1983 NBA playoffs. Simultaneously, Spoelstra's time in Indianapolis allowed him to meet Mel and Herb Simon, who purchased the Pacers later that year. The Simons kept the team in Indiana rather than moving it to Anaheim or Sacramento, and they continued implementing the marketing strategies Spoelstra recommended during his brief visit. This unique exchange highlighted Spoelstra's dual value as an executive and a consultant, bridging two franchises through a temporary personnel swap that secured long-term stability for the Pacers while boosting Portland's playoff chances.

Reader's Guide

Fans of the Trail Blazers should note the specific role Jon Spoelstra played during his ten-year tenure starting in 1979. His departure followed a unique period where he was temporarily traded to the Indiana Pacers to help resolve their financial and relocation issues. This episode stands out as a rare example of an executive being part of a player trade, specifically framed as "other considerations" alongside Don Buse. The source details how Spoelstra spent exactly one week in Indianapolis providing recommendations on in-house radio broadcasting before returning with a DEC desktop computer. Understanding this specific timeline and the involvement of owner Larry Weinberg provides context for the franchise's history during that era.

Did You Know?

• Jon Spoelstra served as senior vice president and general manager for the Portland Trail Blazers for exactly ten years before resigning.
• In January 1983, Spoelstra was temporarily traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for veteran guard Don Buse.
• The trade deal was officially announced by Blazers owner Larry Weinberg as "Don Buse for cash and other considerations," with Spoelstra serving as the "other consideration."
• Spoelstra spent one week less than planned in Indianapolis meeting prospective buyers before returning to Portland.
• The Pacers were sold later that year to Mel and Herb Simon, whom Spoelstra met during his visit, ensuring the team stayed in Indiana.