PORTLAND, Ore. — The Trail Blazers are picking up needed help on the interior, acquiring Marcus Camby from the Clippers in exchange for guard Steve Blake and forward Travis Outlaw.

The Blazers announced the trade yesterday. They also will send the Clippers cash.

Portland was idle last night but went into last night in eighth place in the competitive Western Conference despite a litany of injuries. Centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla are both out for the season with injuries. All-Star Brandon Roy hasn’t played since Jan. 20 with a hamstring injury.

Camby, an ex-Knick, gives the Blazers instant help in their depleted middle and is a sign that despite their injury problems the Blazers (31-24) want to make a playoff push.

In Portland, Camby will team with another veteran in Juwan Howard to solidify the Blazers post. The lanky veteran is a former defensive player of the year and two-time member of the NBA all- defensive team. In 51 games this season with the Clippers, he is averaging 7.7 points and 12 rebounds per game.

The Blazers were able to part with Blake because of the development of Jerryd Bayless and the presence of Andre Miller. In 51 games, Blake was averaging 7.6 points and 27 minutes per game for the Blazers.

Outlaw has been one of Portland’s key reserves. He was averaging 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds.