The Houston Rockets made a big splash when they signed Dwight Howard to a deal away from the Los Angeles Lakers, as the center couldn't handle the spotlight, but not everyone in town was happy, as center Omer Asik has asked the team for a trade in response to the deal.
According to ESPN.com, Asik formally asked the team for a trade after they agreed to a deal with Howard, saying that he did not want to back him up or split time with him after developing into one of the most consistent centers in the game. Asik had an excellent season last year with 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks and while the Rockets have said no so far about the trade, that could change if an offer is made to the team that they like.
Asik has two years and $20 million left on his deal with the Rockets and at the Orlando Pro Summer League coach Kevin McHale said that the team would try and work things out with the center. McHale compared the two to Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, but the game is different now and that could be why Asik wants out. Asik played in 82 games last season and showed why he is one of the top centers in the league and now with Howard in the fold he may want out.
The Rockets feel they have a championship core ready with Howard, Chandler Parsons, James Harden and Asik, but now the center wants out and it is unclear if the team will grant him his wish. One team that could be interesting if they step up to the plate is the Washington Wizards, as they may have some pieces that could get the Rockets to move Asik.
Asik has an $8.3 million salary for each of the next two years and he played like one of the best centers in the game after becoming a starter for the first time. He was a candidate for NBA's Most Improved Player last season and the Wizards could be a good fit since they need more size inside. Nene or Emeka Okafor could end up being moved if they try to pull off a deal and the Rockets likely will be okay with Asik, as they ranked second in the league in scoring last season. Howard will improve the defense and he could make up for Asik's rebounding.
Some other options for the Wizards could be Trevor Ariza at $7.7 million, while Okafor will be making $14.5 million after coming over in a trade with the Pelicans. A trade could be hard to manuver but might be best for both sides.
