The Houston Rockets must really believe Omer Asik is a star in the NBA. The center has been the subject of numerous trade rumors ever since Dwight Howard left the Lakers for Texas in free agency. Asik was the starter for the Rockets last season, but saw his spot move to the bench after the All-Star signed a contract. Now wanting out from the team, the demands coming from general manager Daryl Morey might make it impossible for Asik to leave.
The Rockets have been coy about their intentions with Asik. The adamantly denied the trade rumors that surfaced in the offseason, but since then the center has requested a trade and the Rockets are realizing he might be worth something. But what is the team asking in return? First reports said the Rockets wanted an "impact player" in exchange for Asik. The Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics had called about a deal, meaning Houston likely wanted someone like LaMarcus Aldridge or Rajon Rondo. One general manager told CBSSports.com that those requests were "delusional" for Houston.
Now, MSG Networks is saying Houston wants two first-round draft picks from any team targeting Asik. Are the Rockets serious? Obviously, the team wants to inflate the market a bit with the high demands, but two first-round draft picks for a bench player that has seen his stats dramatically decrease is almost insane. These reports could end any interest for Asik.
The Knicks appeared to have the most interest in the center. A fringe team is the likely contender to actually make a bid on the big man. As of now the Knicks are still a fringe team despite the nine-game losing streak. They have Tyson Chandler out for a few more weeks. Amar'e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin are nowhere near being healthy, struggling to stay on the court for long periods of time.
However, the Knicks have no future in the draft until 2018 at the earliest. They gave away everything and have no more first-round picks to deal. That keeps them out of the Asik talk unless the team opts to put together a package favorable for the big man. Could Iman Shumpert be "impact" enough to sway the Rockets?
