Omer Asik wants a trade. The Houston Rockets want a trade. However, getting that accomplished has been easier said than done. Even since the Rockets brought on Dwight Howard in last year's free agency, Asik has been pushed down the depth chart and wanting out. With an inflated contract, a move has been hard to find, but the Boston Celtics might be looking to help the Rockets out before the NBA Draft.
According to HoopsHype.com, the Boston Celtics are starting to take a serious look at Asik as they assess their roster for the future. The Celtics biggest need at the moment is a productive big man to fill the big hole as a starter. Since the departure of Kevin Garnett, Boston has been in need of a player that can be a defensive anchor while also being a productive rebounder and shooter from the field. That is where Asik comes it.
The Boston Celtics are reportedly considering trading Jeff Green to the Houston Rockets along with a draft pick for the Asik. The Rockets' asking price has been too high so far for the center who was a one-time starter. With interest low right now, the Rockets would easily accept the deal if officially offered. Asik is a player they can build on. The center would fit well with Jared Sullinger along with Avery Bradley's perimeter shooting.
The issue is the contract. Asik is owed $15 million with an $8.4 million cap hit next season. That is a tough pill for the Celtics to swallow for a player that may or may not return what that contract expires. However, it would be better than retaining Green who has two years left on his current deal. Asik is the better overall move.
The Celtics have been looking at productive big men in the NBA Draft. They have worked out everyone from Joel Embiid to Aaron Gordon and Julius Randle. According to ESPN.com, Embiid has a foot injury to pair with his pending back issue. That could steer the Celtics right into a deal for Asik. No team will risk a draft pick on Embiid if they feel he could be the next Greg Oden.
The only thing that could holdup a deal for Asik is if Boston feels they have a real shot at landing Kevin Love. According to ESPNBoston.com, the Celtics have already offered Green, Sullinger and draft picks for the forward who would be the better move from Asik. If the Timberwolves show signs of accepting that trade, Asik stays on the Rockets and Boston heads in a different direction.
