When told it wouldn't make sense for him to accept a deal out of the Portland Trail Blazers and that a trade scenario is not likely, J.J. Hickson smiled and nodded in approval.

“There you go then — you just said it,” Hickson said, laughing. “You just answered all your questions.”

Hickson has had a productive season for the Blazers, increasing trade speculation that has left the forward unfazed.

“I’m not going to get all hysterical about it being the trade deadline,” Hickson said. “I’ve been traded before. I’ve been waived before. This is nothing new to me.”