Omer Asik might finally get his wish. The Houston Rockets center has not been thrilled with his position on the team ever since Dwight Howard opted to take his talents to Texas. The center went from reliable starter during the 2012-13 season to disgruntled bench player faster than he was expecting. After requesting and getting denied a trade, it appears one is likely to happen before the deadline approaches.
The Rockets are now attempting to speed up negotiations for Asik in the coming weeks as some interest has come to the team. Houston originally intended to try and make the rotation between Asik and Howard work, but it appears the two can no longer coincide so a trade will happen and could be finalized in the near future. ESPN reports Houston is making a timeline of a trade to happen in the next 10 days. So where could Asik be headed/
The Philadelphia 79ers are the reported frontrunners to land the center. First and foremost, Sam Hinkie, current manager in Philly, former manager in Houston, is an Asik fan. Second, they have the players that would make a trade package very favorable for the Rockets.
Houston has been requesting an "impact player" in return for Asik. They either want a big name or they want first-round draft picks in return for the center that was a quality starter but is now a terrible bench player. ESPN details a package that could include sending Thad Young along with possibly Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes to Houston. Philadelphia has been considered to be tanking for draft picks and getting rid of Young and Turner will help that cause. It would be a win-win for both sides.
There are reports that Houston would rather an Eastern Conference team pick up Asik in order to no longer face him as much. Atlanta and possibly Milwaukee could be players if that is the case. Both teams could use frontcourt help and might be able to put a deal together. The Portland Trail Blazers are also a team to monitor in this situation as they might want an upgrade from Robin Lopez in the near future.
Asik is all but gone. This situation seemed unlikely at the beginning of the year, but enough complaining appears to have gotten him somewhere. Players can become eligible for trades on Dec. 15 so no moves will happen for another week, but Houston is getting something prepared.