Houston Rockets Rumors: Boston Celtics Target Omer Asik, Jeff Green Trade if Kevin Love Deal Not Option, Danny Ainge Seeks Move as Rajon Rondo to Return

Apr 24, 2014 03:45 PM EDT
Omer Asik
Houston Rockets center Omer Asik (3) is called for a foul during the second half of the NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz."

During the 2014 trading period, Omer Asik and Jeff Green were the biggest names on the market. Every day a new report emerged linking the two players to multiple teams. The Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics even engaged in talks to make a player swap with the two athletes, but the deadline came and went and both Asik and Green remained on the rosters. With the offseason approaching, could a revisit of the player swap be in the works?

Danny Ainge has already said that no player is safe when it comes to trades this offseason. While it is highly unlikely that Rajon Rondo falls into that category, Green is almost assumed to be dealt sooner rather than later. NESN.com reports that a player swap for Asik could be the deal that Ainge is favoring the most. The Celtics are looking to make big moves this offseason in order to retain Rondo in a season and since Green proved he has all the potential in the world, he is the easiest piece to move.

"I think Jeff had a good year this year," said Ainge said, via NESN.com. "Jeff has been consistently a good 3-point shooter and very good in transition offense throughout his whole career, and I think he got even better at that this year. He had his ups and downs with that, but I think his game is complete and he's improving as a player. I think he's got a lot of growth still left in his game, and I think he's going to have a better year next year than he did this year."

On the other side, Asik has been seeking a trade since before the season began. He wants no part in sharing starting time with Dwight Howard and since Howard is the future of the Rockets, Asik spent more time this season getting comfortable with the feel of the bench. He could be an ideal option for the Celtics. Asik would be the defensive anchor the team has been looking for and a solid compliment to Jared Sullinger, or Kevin Love because naturally Ainge his sights set high.

For Houston, if the playoffs show anything, it is that the Rockets need a big power forward that can create space. He would help Howard and James Harden utilize their talents more while creating better looking shots. The Rockets would get rid of their disgruntled center and get a player more eager to play a bigger part in an offense there is room for him in. Will it happen? If the Rockets get swept out of the first round, expect them to start making moves immediately. 

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