Just when it looked like the Omer Asik trade rumors were over, things get interesting once again. The Houston Rockets failed to trade away the center before their self-imposed deadline last week due to the fact that their asking price was far too high. There were no takers and Asik looked poised to remain a Rocket for the year. However, the Boston Celtics are still serious contenders in the trade discussions.
Asik can still be dealt by the February deadline so teams are still discussing options. The Celtics looked to be serious partners, but failed to get the right deal for the Rockets. They have plenty of assets to offer if they are willing. According to Bob Finnan over at the Cleveland News Herald, Danny Ainge is still working the phones to put a deal in place.
Finnan is reporting the Celtics have offered up Jeff Green if the Cleveland Cavaliers partner up for a three-team trade. If the Cavaliers were wiling to give up Anderson Varejao and a 2014 first-round pick, Cleveland would get Green and the Rockets would give Asik to the Celtics. As of now, Cleveland is not buyers.
Originally, Boston was unwilling to give up Green. The guard is having one of his best seasons this year and is currently the star of the over-achieving Celtics. He is averaging 16.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 33.4 minutes per game. He is shooting 45 percent from the field and is every bit the versatile defender any team would want. Boston was putting Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee up in his place, but Houston was not thrilled with that option.
Putting Green up on the market shows the Celtics are serious about getting something done. They would be looking for a big man, so the interest in Asik is assumed. The Rockets center has been begging for a trade ever since the arrival of Dwight Howard, but so far Houston has not worked anything out.
Never say die with the Asik rumors. Ainge is committed. Is Asik a better option than Green? Right now, no. Asik has not handled being a bench player well. His shooting percentage is down as is his attitude. He will be gone by February, but it remains to be seen if Boston will be the one to land him.
