Since Omer Asik signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Houston Rockets in 2012, designed to ensure the Bulls wouldn’t match it, things have turned sour for the big Turkish centre.
Last season he was the Rockets starting centre for all 82 games and put up some solid numbers – 10.1 points on 54 percent from the field and 11.7 rebounds. Things changed, however, when the Rockets finally got their way and signed Dwight Howard in free agency.
The initial plans were to have Howard play power forward while Asik was playing centre, but this was anything but successful.
When it became apparent that having two close to the rim players with questionable offensive abilities was not working, Asik was moved to the bench while Kevin McHale figured out how to make it work.
The result was Asik losing his minutes and subsequently pouting and demanding a trade, which the Rockets have only just begun to get serious about.
Daryl Morey’s dream is to surround Dwight Howard with an army of three-point shooters like he had in his successful years in Orlando, so he’d like a stretch PF in return for trading Asik.
Below are some potential teams that Asik could go to – and who the Rockets could get back in return – now that the December 15 deadline for trading free agents signed in the summer is over.
Philadelphia 76ers (Target: Thad Young or Spencer Hawes)
Both Thad Young and Spencer Hawes are reliable big men with three-point range so fit the mould perfectly. The Rockets would prefer to get Young as he is a better fit in the starting line-up.
Philly, on the other hand, may not want to give up Young for a 10/10 guy with limited offensive skills given they have Nerlens Noel waiting to make his NBA debut next season.
Hawes makes more sense for both teams but still doesn’t address the Rockets’ needs at PF unless Hawes plays as a floor-spacing perimeter big.
Boston Celtics (Target: Brandon Bass or Jeff Green)
The Celtics are still in their rebuilding phase and have plenty of cap space next season to absorb Asik’s albatross contract. They are also in need of a young centre who can protect the rim and rebound.
In return the Rockets could either get Brandon Bass – a mid-range jump shooter and solid rebounder – or Jeff Green, a small ball PF with the required range who can provide another ball handling option.
Atlanta Hawks (Target: Paul Millsap)
Millsap is everything the Rockets needs and the Hawks might be willing to let him go for the right price.
One advantage the Rockets have is that Asik would actually fit in nicely with the Hawks. His acquisition would allow Al Horford to move to the PF position where he can do more damage and not have to guard the bigger centres he does now.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Target: Anderson Varejao)
The Cavs love Varejao and he isn’t really a stand and deliver long-range shooter, so the Rockets won’t be keen on this trade unless there is a draft pick involved.
With Andrew Bynum starting to show improvement I don’t see the Cavs wanting to pay $15 million next season – plus give up a draft pick for a backup centre – when they already have a cheaper (and better) option in Varejao.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are in this group because they have the league’s best three-point shooting power forward in Ryan Anderson.
Obviously the Rockets would love Anderson waiting in the corner while Dwight operates in the post (just like in Orlando), but this makes little sense for the Pelicans.
Justifying losing a critical floor-spacer who is key to their offense for a guy who will provide minimal offensive assistance is going to be hard. I don’t think Dell Demps is going to bite on this one.
Conclusion
Asik will be moved sooner or later by the Rockets and it may involve more than one team.
If they can get a player that can provide more floor spacing and some sort of usefulness on defense then they will be laughing all the way to the bank – possibly to tell the bank manager that they aren’t spending $15 million on a reserve centre next season.
Clark
Guest
Would like to see Asik go to the Thunder. But they could potentially have difficulty moving on Perkins. They may have to settle until they believe Adams is good enough to be a starter. At this point he is working solidly with Oklahoma's bench
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
OK, contenders to beat Miami. Indiana in the East, OK City, Portland, Houston and San Antonio in the West. Everyone else is making up the numbers. Asik is in Houston, and I cant see any of the others trading their shot at a vulnerable Miami this year, as they monkey with their system to fit in Asik. If Asik goes anywhere, it'll be to a team thats planning on competing next year ... and none of them want to trade draft picks due to the assumed strength of next years draft. Nope. I think Asik's indigestible.
Tony Loedi
Roar Guru
Thats why I said it will be a multi team trade. Also ask the Thunder about bad contracts, they might tell you about Kendrick Perkins.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Yeah, but contenders tend not to have bad contracts - thats what makes them contenders.
Tony Loedi
Roar Guru
the contract shouldn't be an issue cos the team that trades for him will unload some of their bad contracts for him. I think you are right it will be a multi team trade. more than likely a contender will pick up Asik, I can't see him going to a struggling team as they are no doubt tanking this year for the Parker,Wiggins sweepstakes
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Good point about after next season. He has a lot of work to do to prove that he is a starting quality center in the NBA and worth $10-12mil. Although there is always a team willing to pay for defensive big, especially with analytics becoming such a huge part of the front office decision making process. The Hawks trade makes the most sense for both teams and it would be nice to see Horford play against PFs instead of banging against bigger Cs.
Peeeko
Guest
I remember when the rockets bought Asik and Lin at what I thought was way overs. Seems like I was right for once
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Asik's value is in the things he makes not happen - he's a rim protector who makes offensive players take lower-odds mid-range shots. If you want to build a team that doesnt win championships, feel free to concentrate on stockpiling players who let opposing offenses do what they are good at.
astro
Guest
Two things not discussed in this article which impact teams going after Asik. 1. He refused to play as a back-up to Dwight and skipped games - this says a lot about his character, and some team will be wary of him as a result 2. His salary - He's paid $14mil next year, which is a lot, and his salary demands beyond that are unknown, but are likely in the $10-12mil a year range (similar to Splitter, Pekovic, McGee, Jefferson etc). So any team taking him on will need to pay him next year and beyond. Not all teams are in that position, or want to be in that position. In terms of the teams in the article, the Asik trade will be really interesting to watch. There are other potential trade destinations (eg. Dallas, Portland etc), but none seem to be clear cut. Even the Hawks, which makes the most sense, might not bite, as Millsap is a bargain right now, and playing well, so maybe they can get more for him? Who knows...will be fascinating as always to see what happens...
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Plus they are pretty happy with Teague right now. He may not be having a fantastic season but is still young and has shown potential.
astro
Guest
Lin's salary is structured the same as Asik's in that is it loaded next year (ie. $14mil). The Hawks would never want to take on $30 mil in salary for next year...
Ozzie
Guest
I agree with the analysis; however, I think the trade offering by the Rockets must expand to get any fish to bite. Atlanta would like a point guard, too. I see Jeremy Lin in the mix.