PORTLAND, Ore. — Guard Rudy Fernandez said today that he plans to leave his Spanish ACB League team to join the Portland Trail Blazers.

Fernandez made the announcement at a press conference in Spain. The Trail Blazers can not comment, because of league rules, until he signs with the team on July 1.

"It has not been easy for me to take this decision, but it is the moment to face new challenges," Fernandez said. "Now, I have the chance to fulfill a dream and become part of the NBA."

The 6-foot-6 shooting guard averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds for DKV Joventut Badalona this past season.

The 24th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, he was acquired by Portland for cash considerations.

Fernandez will make about $900,000 his rookie season because of NBA rules, about half of what he would have made with his Spanish team.

He is a friend of Trail Blazers guard Sergio Rodriguez, also from Spain.