Neil Olshey bolts Clippers for Portland Trail Blazers' GM spot

Neil Olshey drafted Blake Griffin and was the architect of the Clippers team that advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs this year. He will move to

Neil Olshey drafted Blake Griffin and was the architect of the Clippers team that advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs this year. He will move to Portland as the Blazers' new GM. (Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)

Neil Olshey has agreed to become the next general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, after reportedly spurning an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers to remain with the team at the same position.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Olshey and the Clippers had mutually agreed to part ways earlier Monday. Olshey was instrumental in the team's overhaul last offseason that brought point guard Chris Paul to Los Angeles.

The Clippers finished 40-26 this season for the best winning percentage in franchise history, falling in the second round of the NBA Playoffs to the San Antonio Spurs.

Olshey was given a big part of the credit for that. In the same week he pulled off the trade for Paul, Olshey signed point guard Chauncey Billups and forward Caron Butler and matched an offer sheet for restricted free agent center DeAndre Jordan. Olshey also drafted Blake Griffin and guard Eric Gordon.

Head coach Vinny Del Negro, director of player personnel Gary Sacks and president Andy Roeser will be in charge of the team's basketball operations while the team searches for a new general manager.

The Times reported that Olshey, who did not have a contract all of last season with the Clippers, recently met with Blazers owner Paul Allen in London to discuss the GM position.