A player is always available for trading even when the team says they are not. Welcome to the world of the NBA. So when Boston Celtics team president Danny Ainge said the team would not be active in the trade market, he went out and did the exact opposite. The Houston Rockets claim that Omer Asik is not available, but with the NBA trade deadline approaching, expect that to change.
The Celtics and Rockets have tried to work out a trade involving Asik, but nothing came together leaving both organizations to say they were done trying to trade. However, Boston went back on their previous statements and according to ESPN.com, traded shooting guard Courtney Lee to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jerryd Bayless. At first glance, this is not very marquee as far as stats, but clearly shows the Celtics are building for the future.
By trading Lee, Boston saves $13 million over the next few years until 2016. It puts them in a better position financially to make more moves and impact the franchise. This deal also shows that Ainge was kidding about not getting active in the NBA trade talks, meaning several other fringe players are also on the market.
Last month, the Celtics offered up Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a first-round draft pick return for Asik. Could Houston and Boston strike up talks once again even though Lee is not off the table? Boston is now $2.5 million under the luxury tax, meaning they can be a little more flexible with the trade and acquire more money.
The Celtics will still have to offer up Bass and likely a first-round pick, but CelticsLife.com is reporting that either MarShon Brooks or Phil Pressey could be offered up in exchange for Lee's absence. While neither player is as good of an option compared to Lee, Houston is full of guards on the roster and either Brooks or Pressey are cheaper with salary than Lee would have been.
Houston has $56.8 million dedicated in salary for the 2014-15 season. Acquiring Bass and Lee would have moved them to $60.8 million, but subbing in a player like Brooks would keep the team at $55.3 million. That is very favorable for the Rockets and creates some financial freedom. Plus both Brooks and Pressey would fit well with the roster.
There is a good chance that Houston is serious about keeping Asik on the roster whether the center likes it or not. Either way, Boston now has more money to work with in the upcoming years and it opens up new possibilities.