The Houston Rockets have been one of the more impressive teams in the west this season heading into the All-Star break and many have speculated that they will be active at the trade deadline and names like Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin could potentially be on the move, while Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas, Ronnie Brewer and Omri Casspi could be options.
The Rockets have a deep team and a strong team up front heading into the All-Star break and they have risen to third in the western conference with their play as of late, but that doesn't mean they can't make moves at the deadline. Many have speculated that the team will move someone like Omer Asik or Jeremy Lin, but according to the Houston Chronicle, it's more likely that one of the bench players like Motiejunas or Brewer will get moved.
The Rockets looked like they were guaranteed to trade center Omer Asik at some point this season, but that is looking like less of a possibility, while Lin's name has come up in rumors but that is unlikely to happen due to the size of his contract and what is has left on it. According to ESPN.com, the team had pushed hard for a trade with Asik earlier in the season and they nearly had a deal with the Boston Celtics, but that fell through and now GM Daryl Morey has said in the media that it is likely Asik will finish out his contract.
Asik has reportedly asked for a trade multiple times this season and the first time was after Dwight Howard was signed and then later after he lost his starting job and had his minutes cut. Asik is currently coming back from an injury and has been getting increased minutes and after playing in all 82 games last season and averaging 10 points and 11 rebounds and he could be an attractive trade option. Daryl Morey is smart though and he knows Asik gives the team a defensive advantage even if he doesn't play a ton of minutes and that is why the other players moving is more likely than Asik.
The Rockets have some solid draft picks, including the Knicks second round pick and they can use that to their advantage heading into the trade deadline and while the team may not make a blockbuster, Morey is known as an active GM at the deadline and it's likely the team will make at least one move. The team has some reserves and other options to use and that could help fortify the bench heading into the back stretch of the season and the playoffs.
