NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets sending Omer Asik to New Orleans Pelicans for first round pick

Since their season came to an end with a first round loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets have continued to express their confidence in dealing both center Omer Asik and point guard Jeremy Lin, who they signed in the 2012 offseason.

More from Houston Rockets

• NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
• NBA insider explains real reason the Grizzlies were done with Dillon Brooks
• Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
• 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
• Cam Whitmore already starting revenge tour after draft-night fall

Although they are paying huge money to guard James Harden and center Dwight Howard, if the Rockets are able to deal both players combined with declining the option on swingman Chandler Parsons, making him a restricted free agent and swingman Francisco Garcia declining his option, the Rockets may be able to free up enough money to make a run at signing either Miami Heat forward LeBron James or New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, who have both opted out of their contracts and will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

On Wednesday, the Rockets took another step forward in their plan.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets are sending Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans for a first round pick.

The Pelicans now have a legitimate center to pair with budding star Anthony Davis.

Asik 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.