The Houston Rockets are in a tough position when it comes to center Omer Asik and after reports came out that he requested a trade in response to losing his starting job, more rumors are circulating and deals with the Portland Trail Blazers or Dallas Mavericks for names like LaMarcus Aldridge, Shawn Marion or Robin Lopez look like the best packages and scenarios out there.
Asik has wanted a trade since the summer according to reports, but after initially asking when the Rockets signed Dwight Howard, it appeared the center would be fine, as Kevin McHale was planning to use both on the floor at the same time. That lasted for a while, but soon enough, McHale ditched that and with that came the loss of Asik's starting job and then his minutes were cut down even more and even after that he was stashed on the bench, making him very unhappy. ESPN and other outlets reported that Asik again asked for a trade, but the Rockets have not moved quickly on that since players who signed deals this summer can't be traded until mid-December.
Deals with the Pelicans for Ryan Anderson were proposed by many and now more reports are coming out about potential teams that would fit a deal, including the Blazers and the Mavericks. According to the New York Daily News, the Portland trail Blazers could be looking at Asik, as they have gotten off to a fantastic start and see the playoffs as a real opportunity and adding someone like that to the roster could be huge and the team could do it without even dealing LaMarcus Aldridge, as they have Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez as options to deal to the Rockets. Terrence Jones has played well for the Rockets and that has made the Asik trade even more likely and with the Pelicans wanting to hold onto Anderson, this could be the best move for the Rockets to make.
Howard has made it tough for Asik to get on the floor and after starting all 82 games last season and averaging over 10 points and 11 rebounds, he is ready to continue being a starter in the NBA and that is why he wants a trade. According to the Houston Chronicle, a Texas team in the Dallas Mavericks could be an option and Hoops World reports that Shane Larkin and Shawn Marion could be potential players that move in the deal.
Marion could be a solid defensive player for the Rockets despite his age and with the Mavericks signing Monta Ellis in the offseason, they could decide to move Larkin. Adding Asik to the lineup would automatically upgrade Dallas and it would also be a way for the team to hurt a rival in the Rockets, even though they aren't using Asik anyway. This season Asik's numbers are way down and he is averaging five points and seven rebounds and was averaging 10 minutes per game before getting benched and now it looks like a split is likely down the line no matter what happens. The 27-year-old is looked at as one of the most consistent centers in the NBA and it might be the best option for the two sides to part ways.
