The Houston Rockets looked ready and willing to trade All-Star caliber center Omer Asik last week, but once the trade market started getting a bit out of control, the team decided to pull him back for now and the Rockets could be looking at the deadline for a deal and teams like the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Sixers, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls could be options.
According to ESPN.com, the Rockets had been working with the Boston Celtics on a deal for a while before the team decided to pull back Asik and reports also have the team talking to the Brooklyn Nets. The team just lost Brook Lopez for the season and while they are not officially talking to the Rockets about Asik, that could change down the line, but since the team is already paying a ton in luxury tax, it might not be an option. The Rockets wanted to deal Asik before the Dec. 19 deadline so that they could then move players traded in the deal, but now they may wait until the deadline, as teams could be motivated to meet their requirements by then, which may include a first round pick.
Asik has reportedly wanted a deal since the summer, as he had the foresight to see that he and Dwight Howard would not work as teammates. Asik broke out last season, starting all 82 games and averaging a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds per game, but once Howard was signed he could see the writing on the wall. Kevin McHale and general manager Daryl Morey either were lying to everyone, lying to themselves or just ignoring the facts when they said they would not be trading Asik and that Howard and the center would work ion sets together, but they soon abandoned that plan early in the season and Asik reportedly asked for a trade again.
Asik has two years left on his deal and to get him from the Bulls as a free agent, he will get $15 million next season and the cap hit is under $10 million and while the Rockets don't need to trade Asik, it makes sense for the team to try and get another piece that could help the team to win a championship. James Harden has lobbied for the team to keep him, but if they continue to use him in terrible situations, it's a bit of a waste. Howard has praised his teammate, but that must be easy when he is getting paid the big bucks and is the starter on the team.
The Rockets reportedly want at least one or two first round picks and the Celtics offered Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee as part of their deal, but so far that wasn't good enough for the Rockets. Asik has hired a new agent and that may help the teams get things done for a deal. The Nets could get involved down the line depending on how things play out and while the team traded for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in the offseason, Pierce could get moved by the Nets to the Clippers to get things going and it would also clear some space for the team to work with.