PORTLAND, Ore., March 1 (UPI) -- Portland Trail Blazers President and General Manager Steve Patterson has resigned from the NBA team's management effective immediately.
Tod Leiweke, chief executive officer of the Seattle Seahawks, will take over management oversight of the Trail Blazers, the team said Thursday.
Patterson pointed out his contract was about to expire and "this was simply the right time to step away."
"I take great pride in what we achieved during my time in Portland and am confident we have placed this organization on a path that will result in success for many years to come," he said.
The Trail Blazers are 24-34 and in fourth place in the NBA's Northwest Division this season.
Patterson joined Portland in 2003 after time with the NFL's Houston Texans. He was also with the NBA's Houston Rockets front office for nine years.
Leiweke said he would conduct a search for a new general manager and president of business operations.
