By all accounts, the Rockets still intend to move Omer Asik by this Thursday, thereby allowing players involved in the deal to be included again in trade packages at the deadline, if necessary. Houston is said to be targeting some combination of young players, draft picks, or a forward who can contribute immediately.
If there’s a frontrunner for Asik, it may be the Sixers, according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, who cites several league insiders. In my view, Asik, whose contract expires in 2015 and includes a balloon payment of nearly $15MM for 2014/15, doesn’t fit all that well in Philadelphia’s rebuilding plan, so if the club acquires him, perhaps it’s simply about obtaining an asset for below-market value.
Still, the Sixers are far from the only team in the hunt. Amico also mentions the Thunder, Celtics, Bucks, and Hawks as potential destinations, while a report from Chris Sheridan at SheridanHoops.com names the Sixers, Celtics, Cavs, Hawks, and Bobcats as the teams “most squarely in the mix.” Complicating matters further is the fact that multiple reports have suggested a three-team deal is a real possibility, meaning any of the aforementioned teams could be involved in a trade for Asik without actually landing the big center himself.
The number of suitors for Asik could also potentially double if we include Western Conference teams. Reports have indicated that Daryl Morey is unlikely to send Asik to a conference rival, but if a club like the Thunder, Mavericks, Pelicans, or Trail Blazers offered up the best package, it may be hard for the Rockets to turn it down.
So what do you think? Which team’s uniform will we see Asik wearing at this time next week?