Former Jazz center Jarron Collins is expected to be waived today by Portland, The Oregonian reported Wednesday, but Collins could be headed to Phoenix, which is auditioning big men with Robin Lopez out with a broken foot.
The Trail Blazers opted to keep neither Collins nor forward Ime Udoka for their 15th and final roster spot, instead giving it to injured rookie guard Patrick Mills, a second-round draft pick who signed with Portland only five days ago. Collins, who didn't respond to an e-mail Wednesday, averaged 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in four preseason games. He played eight seasons in Utah but wasn't re-signed as a free agent this summer.
Also Wednesday, Morris Almond, the Jazz's 2007 first-round draft pick, was waived by Orlando.
Almond averaged 1.0 points and 1.0 rebounds in four exhibition games with the Magic. The Jazz declined the third-year option in Almond's rookie contract last October.
- Ross Siler
