New Orleans Pelicans rumors: Austin Rivers on the move to make room for Omer Asik trade?
By Hayden Kane
The Houston Rockets have two big moves they would like to execute between now and the weekend. They would like to sign Chris Bosh to a maximum contract and they would like to match the offer sheet for Chandler Parsons.
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It will require additional activity and some creativity, however, for the Rockets to successfully put that plan into motion. They have to find a trade partner for Jeremy Lin, something they are reportedly trying to accomplish with the Los Angeles Lakers. Perhaps more challenging would be the second task, which would be trading Omer Asik and his big contract.
They do have an interested trade partner for Asik in the New Orleans Pelicans. Zach Lowe of Grantland reports that the Pelicans are trying to move Austin Rivers to put themselves in a position to finalize a deal for Asik.
Re: Bosh/HOU: Several league sources say Pelicans considering waiving A. Rivers via stretch provision to complete Asik trade.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 11, 2014
The Pelicans were reported to be trying to trade Rivers in addition to Eric Gordon and Alexis Ajinca earlier this week in similar efforts to make room on the books for Asik. Unfortunately for them trade partners have not emerged, especially for Rivers.
That's just one of many routes the two teams could take. But NOP hasn't found taker for Rivers yet in trade talks, sources say.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 11, 2014
That lack of trade interest might move them to use that stretch provision to waive Rivers. If that is the case, the Pelicans are clearly motivated to land Asik. The Rockets seem equally motivated the move the big man, so these moves could pick up in a hurry.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided.com throughout the remainder of the NBA Free Agency period for the latest news, rumors and signings from around the league.