NBA Rumors: Could Oklahoma City Thunder pursue Omer Asik?
The Oklahoma City are paying a lot of money to their three best players, forward Kevin Durant, point guard Russell Westbrook and power forward Serge Ibaka, which will make it very difficult to make any major additions.
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To make any kind of major move, the Thunder would likely have to part ways with guard Reggie Jackson, who became a starter during the Western Conference Finals. There have been rumors the Thunder could be interested in adding disgruntled Houston Rockets’ big man Omer Asik, but they would probably have to give up Jackson, along with center Kendrick Perkins.
Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders would give up Jackson if it meant getting Asik.
"Assuming that’s a proposed trade, financial ramifications aside, I think it would make some sense for the Thunder. Asik brings a similar defensive presence to Perkins and a bit more polish on the offensive side of the basketball. The Thunder, though, would need to replace Jackson’s scoring, which would not be easy.At the end of the day, I think finding a capable perimeter scorer is easier than finding an above-average big man, so I think I’d roll the dice here if I were OKC. Not a bad suggestion."
The Rockets believe Asik was a poor fit next to Dwight Howard because the duo could not create enough space. He averaged 5.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 53.2% from the field and 61.9% from the charity stripe in 48 games last season. Perkins averaged 3.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 55.2% from the free throw line. Jackson averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 44.0% from the field, 33.9% from three and 89.3% from the free throw line.