Hickson wants to stay in Portland

07:48 PM ET 01.17 | Big man J.J. Hickson has found a home in Portland, and it's his most stable role in his young NBA career. The center is averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds per game, but on a relatively inexpensive contract worth $4 million for this year, he's in a position of control. Hickson, who was picked up by Portland from the Sacramento Kings last season, retained his Bird Rights despite signing his one-year deal with the Trail Blazers. Because of that, he can veto any trade that Portland tries to make this season. The situation means that Hickson can accept a trade if he likes the terms for his future, or he can stay in Portland and make up his mind this summer. He doesn't appear to be in a hurry to leave the Trail Blazers. "Yeah, I'll be lying if I said it wasn't an exciting time in my life," Hickson told CSNNW.com. "It's also exciting to play on this team that everybody counted us out at the start. We're making a lot of noise in the Western Conference. I'm trying to make this playoff run if I'm here after the trade deadline. Obviously, I'll be happy either way because I can veto any trade."

CSN Northwest