It's looking as if general manager Chris Wallace may have overplayed his hand with regard to the GM's job in Portland, according to sources out West.

Wallace has been in the mix for the job almost since it became available, and in the last few days he became the club's choice by some measure of default. But looking for a stronger contractual commitment from the Trail Blazers has injured his chances to land the job greatly, if not fatally.

The Blazers reportedly offered the GM's post to New Jersey scouting director Ed Stefanski, but the Nets kept him in the fold with a better deal. With Portland assistant GM Mark Warkentien on the final three short list in name only, that left Wallace.

He was offered slightly better money than the average of $800,000 he's due from the Celts over the next three years and was presented with a four-year proposal. But sources say that when Wallace requested a better package, the Blazers decided they were not as strong on him and, as reported here yesterday, decided to reopen the search.