Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard has been fired by owner Paul Allen, less than an hour before the 2010 NBA Draft was set to begin.

A source close to Pritchard said Allen informed the popular general manager that Thursday would be his last day of work, which will include conducting the Blazers draft.

Pritchard is under contract through the 2010-2011 season.

It is unknown why Pritchard has fallen out of favor with Allen, but Thursday's decision was predicted in March by Pritchard's agent, Warren LeGarie, after Pritchard's right hand man, Tom Penn was fired.