There's a new job opening in Danny Ainge's home state.
The Portland Trail Blazers fired general manager Neil Olshey on Friday after an independent investigation of the franchise's workplace environment found that Olshey violated the team's code of conduct.
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Director of Player Personnel Joe Cronin will serve as interim GM after Olshey's firing, but the Blazers are searching for a "permanent" replacement. As Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix pointed out, a certain former Boston Celtics president of basketball operations likely will be on Portland's radar.
Ainge grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and played two seasons for the Blazers from 1990 to 1992. He was a fan favorite during his brief Portland tenure and helped the team reach the 1992 NBA Finals, so he certainly has plenty of good will in the region.
Ainge ended his 18-year tenure as Celtics GM/president of basketball operations in June, giving way to head coach Brad Stevens. The 62-year-old expressed his desire to work in a front office again in July but added he wanted to avoid the "crazy lifestyle" he had in Boston.
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That was four months ago, though, so perhaps the possibility of leading his hometown team in Portland will entice Ainge to return from semi-retirement.
If Ainge does become a candidate, he'll be far from alone: Chicago Bulls general manager Marc Eversley and New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry both are expected to be considered for Portland's GM job, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported Friday.
The Celtics face the Blazers on Saturday night in Portland, so maybe Ainge will tune in to see two of his former teams in action.