Will he or won't he? That is the question surrounding Omer Asik and the trade rumors that continue to be brought up around his name. The Houston Rockets center has never felt safe since the arrival of Dwight Howard. Throughout the entire offseason, the Rockets looked poised to trade away the big man, something they denied. Now that Asik is no longer a starter, plenty of teams are eyeing him but are the demands too high to trade him?
While general manager Daryl Morey once denied the idea that he would trade away the quality center, several teams have expressed interest. There are a few hurdles though that make Asik difficult to trade. CBSSports.com notes that Asik counts as an $8.4 million hit against the salary cap and will be owed $15 million next season. That is already a lot of money for a team to take on for a player that appears to not be a starter. Not to mention that Asik has been down and out this season with his demeanor, struggling as a bench player.
One NBA general manager told CBS that the trade requests being made by the Rockets for Asik are simply delusional. Morey is requesting an "impact player" in return for the center. If they cannot get a player then they want a 2014 draft pick in the lottery. Morey has been actively shopping the center, but his requests have set the bar too high and most teams appear unwilling to meet them.
Earlier in the week, the New York Daily News reported that the Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics had all called Morey about a trade. The Rockets general manager was purposed a Shawn Marion, Shane Larkin package for Asik. LaMarcus Aldridge was likely the player brought up by Portland. Morey possibly requested Rajon Rondo from Boston.
Certainly all of those players are on the trade block, but most are too good for a guy like Asik. It is not like the center comes out and posts double-doubles each night. This season coming off the bench, Asik is putting 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. Last season, he was putting up 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds a game.
"For Omer, the objective has always been to continue to develop and grow as a player," agent Andy Miller said. "That's why we came to Houston in the first place. If that objective can't be met, if we can't get the right platform to grow and contribute as a player, it's certainly frustrating."
Asik wants a trade. He prefers to continue as a starter. Things will heat up before the Dec. 15 deadline, but unless the Rockets lower demands, Asik stays in Houston.
