PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers have received permission from the Sacramento Kings to interview Wayne Cooper for their vacant general manager job.

Cooper, 46, told The Oregonian he has not interviewed with the Trail Blazers but has spoken with a consulting company the team hired to assist in their searches for a president and general manager.

"I'm just flattered that they called and have shown interest," Cooper said.

The Trail Blazers called Kings president Geoff Petrie to ask for permission to speak with Cooper, who is the team's vice president of basketball operations.

"Geoff has always encouraged me to take a look at situations when they look right," Cooper said.

Cooper played with the Trail Blazers 1982-84 and 1989-92.

The general manager job opened May 7, when Bob Whitsitt resigned. Boston Celtics general manager Chris Wallace is the only candidate known to have interviewed.