Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey gave a rare in-season interview to Sirius XM radio on Thursday that had to raise eyebrows around the league.

The way Olshey was talking, the question surrounding the Blazers may not whether they will make a deal before the Feb. 19 deadline, but when.

Olshey said the Blazers are "active" in looking for pieces to improve the roster, and seemed to steer his interest toward establishing depth at wing - either a shooting guard or a small forward.

In particular, Olshey said he wants a player with specific qualities: A shooter who is also a willing passer as well as a smart defender.

Interestingly, Olshey downplayed the need for a big man, even as centers Robin Lopez and Joel Freeland are slowly on the mend with what is looking like a mid-February return. He said the Blazers addressed their big man needs in the summer with the free agent signing of Chris Kaman.

Meanwhile, coach Terry Stotts and point guard Damian Lillard on Saturday both said they are comfortable playing the rest of the season with the current roster, and Olshey in the interview sounds cautious about disrupting the Blazers' noted locker room chemistry.

In his three seasons in Portland, Olshey has been shrewd, sharp and successful, adding key pieces through trade and free agency without taking on or creating long term, bloated contracts.

Knowing his track record, the Blazers' needs with injuries to the big men and small forward Nicolas Batum, and Olshey's stated desire to improve wing depth, here's a look at some possible targets for Olshey as the trade deadline nears.

But first, it must be understood that to get something, the Blazers must give up something. It's safe to assume that Olshey will not touch the starting five of Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lopez. Veterans Steve Blake and Kaman are core players, and Olshey remains highly protective with two of his former lottery picks in CJ McCollum and Meyers Leonard.

That leaves the most likely trade bait forward Thomas Robinson, forward Dorrel Wright, center Freeland, forward Victor Claver and wings Will Barton and Allen Crabbe.

PERIMETER PLAYERS

Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets



Contract status: $6.7 million this year, a team option at $7.2 million next season.

Who would Portland give up: Robinson ($3.7 million), McCollum ($2.4 million), Crabbe ($862,000) and a pick.

Why would Portland do it: The 6-foot-8 Chandler can shoot (34 percent from three-point range) and he is a versatile and above-average defender, guarding shooting guards, small forwards and even power forwards. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.6 rebounds and would not only add depth, but is capable of starting should Batum's injuries or slump linger.

Why would Denver do it: Denver needs depth at guard and could get an up-and-coming player in McCollum and an expiring contract with Robinson.

Potential road blocks: Denver has gone public and said it is not looking to trade Chandler, and unless Portland sweetened the deal with a first round pick, it's hard to believe this would be a sweet enough deal. Also, Olshey's attachment to McCollum is deep.

Chase Budinger, Minnesota Timberwolves



Contract status: $5.0 million this season, player option for $5 million next season.

Who would Portland give up: Robinson ($3.7 million) and Claver ($1.4 million).

Why Portland would do it: Budinger is a heady player who can shoot, is good in transition and has a good locker room reputation. He can play both wing positions.

Why Minnesota would do it: The Wolves have a logjam at wing and are committed to developing its young core.

Potential road blocks: Budinger has missed most of the past two seasons because of two surgeries to his left knee. He has been healthy this season but is averaging only 16 minutes and game while Minnesota develops. Not known for his defense, and there is still questions whether he is the same player from his days in Houston.

Marvin Williams, Charlotte Hornets



Contract status: $7.0 million this season, $7.0 million next season.

Who would Portland give up: Robinson ($3.7 million) and Wright ($3.1 million)

Why Portland would do it: Williams has size and can shoot and is a better than average defender.

Why Charlotte would do it: Strictly a money saving deal should they feel they aren't going to make a push with their current roster.

Potential road blocks: Not a great passer, which is a prerequisite to fit into Stotts' flow offense and Charlotte probably would want more in return.

Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets



Contract status: $7.6 million this season, player option for $7.75 million next season.

Who would Portland give up: Robinson (3.7), Wright ($3.1) and Barton ($915,243)

Why would Portland do it: Afflalo is a good shooter and an above average defender.

Why Denver would do it: Would save nearly eight million in salary next season.

Potential road block: In early January, Denver said it is not in fire sale mode, and this move would fall under that category. The more the Nuggets struggle and ponder their course, the greater chance they could blow up the current roster.

BIG MEN

Jermaine O'Neal, free agent



Contract status: Not under contract. Made $2 million last season with Golden State.

Who would Portland give up: Probably waive Claver. To sign O'Neal, Portland would have to either waive a player or make the signing after a trade in which it gave up more players than came in. As one longtime league executive said; "Victor should not buy green bananas.''

Why would Portland do it: O'Neal is long in the tooth, but he can still hold his position defensively, something Chris Kaman still struggles with. In a playoff series, O'Neal has far greater value than someone like Claver.

Why O'Neal would do it: The Blazers are a contender and he spent the first four years of his career in Portland, so O'Neal knows what Portland has to offer his family. He has been clear on his Twitter account that he will only return to the game if he and his family are comfortable with the situation. He lives in Dallas, where he is training, but said his decision will not be based on relationships with a city or organization.

Why O'Neal would not do it: If the lure of staying in his hometown of Dallas is too much. A story out of Dallas on Sunday indicated the Mavericks were "confident" they will sign the 36-year-old.

Andray Blatche, free agent



Contract status: Playing for Xingjiiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association. Opted out of his contract with Brooklyn last season.

Who would Portland give up: Probably Claver. Because he is a free agent, and Portland has NBA maximum players, Blazers would have to waive a player to sign him.

Why Portland would do it: Blatche is a proven NBA scorer and is a big body.

Why Blatche would do it: This could be his last chance to get back into the NBA, and Portland presents the chance to win immediately.

Potential roadblocks: Blatche has a reputation for having a poor work ethic and a loose lifestyle off the court, which would be in stark contrast to the professional culture established in Portland. He won't be free from his Chinese team until the season ends in late February or early March.

Brandon Bass, Boston Celtics



Contract status: $6.95 million this season.

Who would Portland would give up: Robinson and Wright and a draft pick.

Why Portland would do it: Bass is an active, big body with nine years of experience.

Why Boston would do it: Celtics have shown an interest in acquiring draft picks.

Potential roadblocks: Bass is undersized, and is not a particularly good passer.

Contract status: $4.0 million this season, $4 million next season.

Who would Portland give up: Wright and Claver.

Why Portland would do it: An effective defensive big man.

Why would Indiana do it: Two expiring contracts.

Potential roadblocks: Mahinmi had a torn plantar fascia that kept him out for a month this season although he has played in the last seven games. The four million the Pacers would save in salary next season is probably not worth giving up a backup center.



-- Jason Quick | jquick@oregonian.com | @jwquick