Editing Kermit Washington (section)

===Portland Trail Blazers (1979–1982)===
After a year in San Diego, Washington was traded again. Levin decided to acquire Portland center [[Bill Walton]] even though Walton had missed the entire [[1978–79 NBA season|1978–79 season]] due to broken bones in his foot. Since the Blazers and Clippers could not agree on compensation, the commissioner's office made the final decision, sending Washington, Kunnert, and [[Randy Smith (basketball)|Randy Smith]] to Portland in exchange for Walton.<ref name="bref" /> This became the second time Washington and Kunnert were part of the same trade.

Portland had strongly desired Washington, and their general manager [[Stu Inman]], was a close friend of Pete Newell's. Inman had worked hard through Newell to let Washington know that they intended this to be the last time he was traded, which Washington desired since the media coverage and re-locations had been hard on Pat and the children.<ref>Halberstam. pgs. 76-77</ref> To his great relief, the city of Portland welcomed Washington with open arms.<ref>Halberstam. pg. 81</ref>

During the same off-season, Tomjanovich and the Rockets' civil suit vs. the Lakers occurred. Houston's side argued that Los Angeles had failed to control Washington. During the trial, numerous players and coaches who were at the game testified.<ref>Feinstein. pg. 265</ref> Kunnert testified during the trial and contradicted Washington's testimony, angrily branding him a liar.<ref>Feinstein. pg. 266</ref> While the two were playing for San Diego their wives became close friends, but their relationship only worsened over time; Washington believed the NBA was keeping Kunnert on the team to prevent him from suing him.<ref>Feinstein. pgs. 261</ref> [[Jack Ramsay]], Portland's coach, however, said that he chose Kunnert over San Diego center [[Swen Nater]] when his team was asked by the league to submit a list of players they considered fair compensation for Walton.<ref>Feinstein. pgs. 260–261</ref>

Washington shared time at the Trail Blazers power forward spot with [[Maurice Lucas]] at first, but after Lucas' trade to the [[New Jersey Nets]], he became the full-time starter.<ref name="Fn262">Feinstein. pg. 262</ref> He played three seasons in Portland, during which he earned a spot in the [[1980 NBA All-Star Game]], after some of the top players sat out due to injury.<ref name="Fn269" /> During that All-Star weekend, which was held in [[Landover, Maryland]], nearby American U. held a halftime ceremony in which they retired Washington's number. He was named a team captain for the following season.<ref name="Fn269">Feinstein. pg. 269</ref> In his post-punch career, numerous players, coaches, and officials noted that he became less aggressive on the court out of fear of getting into another fight; something he never did.<ref>Feinstein. pgs. 228–229</ref> Washington started experiencing pain in his back and knees during the [[1980–81 NBA season|1980–81 season]]. The pain became unbearable during the [[1981–82 NBA season|1981–82 season]], and he retired in January 1982 after missing all but 20 games.<ref name="bref" />