NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets have three-team Asik deal on table
By Ben Beecken
The Houston Rockets have long been rumored to have center Omer Asik on the trading block, available to the highest bidder. In fact, shortly after the team acquired Dwight Howard via free agency over the summer, Asik voiced his displeasure and a desire to be traded.
An attempt to play the two side-by-side in the starting lineup failed, and Asik has been sitting on the bench lately while general manager Daryl Morey has fielded what is likely a number of trade offers for the defensive-minded big man. There have been plenty of rumors regarding what is on the table for Morey and the Rockets (Cleveland offering Anderson Varejao, teams like New Orleans and Charlotte offering various packages), and also rumors that Morey has asked for upwards of two first-round picks in the loaded 2014 NBA Draft in return for Asik.
It has appeared as though Morey is hanging onto Asik in advance of the December 15 deadline for trading players acquired over the summer via free agency, and has made it known that Asik will be moved this week.
According to Jonathan Feigan at the Houston Chronicle, Morey may have an offer that he’s already willing to take for Asik, but he’s waiting until a self-imposed deadline of December 19, just in case a superior package crosses his desk. No doubt, he’s hoping for a rotation player and at least a pick or two in next year’s draft, but it will be extremely interesting to see what he’s able to bring in for the talented but expensive center.