Report: Trail Blazers G Roy to announce retirement

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is planning to announce his retirement due to his ailing knees, ESPN's Chris Broussard reported on Friday.The decision could come as early as today, Broussard said. The three-time All-Star guard admitted that his ongoing knee issues would inevitably lead to a reduced role, according to ESPN sources. Roy also noted that he did not wish to be released through the amnesty clause and thus become eligible to be picked up by another NBA team. Blazers team president Larry Miller told the Oregonian late Monday that "we expect Brandon to be a part of this team when the season starts." Roy, who has $63 million remaining on his contract, has had multiple operations that have left him without cartilage in both knees. Last season, Roy played shortened minutes and averaged 12.2 points and 2.7 assists in 27.9 minutes, the lowest totals of his five-year career.