The Houston Rockets are trying desperately to get involved in the NBA trade rumors. After putting together a very strong starting lineup, the team has been seeking deals regarding some of their former starters turned bench players. While Omer Asik has been the center of many rumors over the past few weeks, a few teams have emerged interested in point guard Jeremy Lin.
According to FOX Sports, the Chicago Bulls have inquired about a deal for Lin involving Luol Deng. The trade could possibly include Omer Asik if a third team is willing to get involved. The Rockets will likely have to give up more than just Lin to land Asik. Elton Brand and DeMarre Carroll could be options. The perfect scenario could involve a third team like the Atlanta Hawks who were interested in Asik once before.
The Bulls need a point guard. With Derrick Rose out for what is likely the entire season, depth is an issue. Lin is nowhere near the talent that Rose is, but he can provide quality minutes and points in the offense. He is averaging 14.7 points and 4.2 assists per game in limited time as a starter.
The Bulls have been inquiring about deals regarding Deng. The two parties failed to work out a contract extension in the offseason and many NBA sources believe he could be traded by the February deadline if the right package comes along. Lin, plus a few other quality bench players could seriously interest the team.
Adding Deng would make the Rockets an elite team. With Patrick Beverly developing as a top young point guard, Kevin McHale is well set at the position without Lin. Deng would give the team a top young forward off the bench to pair next to Chandler Parsons. They could also use Deng as a starter if need be. Deng would give the team another top defensive performer while being a strong perimeter shooter.
This deal sounds like it could go down only if the Bulls are ready to get rid of Deng. Rumors have been swirling around the forward. He and the Bulls have reportedly been on shaky terms and a trade could go down at the deadline.
Teams have called regarding Lin and trade rumors have been tossed around since the summer. The Brooklyn Nets are the latest team to inquire about the point guard. The Rockets are desperate to trade either Lin, Asik or both. This could be the deal to do it.