The Blazers have reopened their search for a permanent general manager.

Chad Buchanan has been acting general manager for over 300 days. Buchanan, president Larry Miller and salary cap analyst Joe Cronin have worked together through the 2011 Draft, free agency and the trade deadline.

Miller said the search began on Tuesday and that none of the previous candidates who interviewed will be revisited.

The Blazers waived Mehmet Okur on Wednesday.

Okur, who was acquired at the deadline in a trade involving Gerald Wallace, was let go by Portland to create a roster spot for J.J. Hickson.

The Blazers have claimed J.J. Hickson from waivers, according to a source.

Hickson was already in New Orleans with the Warriors, who had an agreement with Golden State dependent on clearing waivers.

Hickson was waived this week by the Kings.

Brandon Roy and his wife Tiana attended Tuesday's Blazers' loss to the Bucks at the Rose Garden.

Roy was making his first appearance at the arena since retiring at the start of training camp.

"It was good to see him," Joel Przybilla said. "He looks good, he's got a smile on his face. I just wish we could have gotten a win for him. He's been a big part of this organization, this city. A lot of us wouldn't be where we're at without what he's done and contributed to this team."

Roy was at the game as a surprise to close friend Jamal Crawford who was celebrating his 32nd birthday.

Scott Brooks spoke very highly of Kaleb Canales, who was promoted to interim head coach of the Blazers last week.

Canales and Brooks spent time getting to know each other at the summer camp of Tim Grgurich.

"He works out guys and develops players as well I've seen," Brooks said of Canales. "He's just a friendly spirit. He always wants to learn and get better. He's always in the gym, he's always the first coach in the gym, he's last to leave, he's picking everybody's brain. You knew that he would get an opportunity to keep moving up and he has. He's on his way to being a permanent head coach."

Canales joined the staff of the Blazers in 2004 as a video intern.

"Coach Brooks means a lot to me, sitting down at those camps," Canales said of Brooks. "He's always been so good. He takes out the time, talks to me, give me advice. Obviously the way he and Mr. (Thunder general manager Sam) Presti have led this organization is something to be proud of. I have a special relationship with Coach Brooks. I really admire how he's done it, how he's come up and obviously I can relate to a lot of that. He's done it the hard, old-fashioned way. His teams are so well-prepared and they play hard every single night."

Greg Oden is committed to playing basketball again, his agent Mike Conley Sr. confirmed. Oden was waived by the Blazers on Thursday.

Oden recently underwent his third microfracture knee surgery and his second on his left knee.

Oden briefly considered retirement, but is focused on rehabbing in Indianapolis.

Conley says Oden has expressed interest in playing for the Pacers when he recovers.

The Lakers were minutes away from acquiring Michael Beasley, but Minnesota owner Glen Taylor blocked an agreed upon three-team trade before the deadline, according to a source.

Portland also would have been involved with Derek Fisher and Jamal Crawford being other trade components.

The Lakers responded by agreeing to trade Fisher to the Rockets.

The Blazers have waived Greg Oden to create a roster space.

It remains to be seen whether Oden, who is making $1.5 million this season, will be claimed on waivers.

Oden isn't expected to be ready to play until well into the 12-13 season.

The Wolves had a three-team trade close to completion that would have resulted in the acquisition of Jamal Crawford and Derek Fisher.

The Lakers would have received Michael Beasley.

Portland would have received a pick and possibly Steve Blake.

Nate McMillan has been fired by the Blazers, according to a source.

McMillan has been the head coach of the Blazers since the 05-06 season.

Kaleb Canales has been promoted to interim head coach of Portland.