Omer Asik may not like it, but he’s staying a Rocket for now. Probably.
After weeks of talks — not to mention media and fan speculation — Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey has looked at the trade market for Asik and decided it’s not good enough.
The Rockets have pulled out of all Asik trade talks and will keep the big man for now, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (among others).
Houston has ended talks on an Omer Asik trade and plan to keep him for now, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 19, 2013
Houston has found too many teams leery of Asik's contract next season, and hasn't found a deal it wants.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 19, 2013
Houston GM Daryl Morey has also informed Asik's agent, Arn Tellem, that he's ended talks about a trade for his client, source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 19, 2013
Asik has requested a trade several times and switched agents in an effort to get moved. He has not been happy since — following a strong breakout season for him — the Rockets went out and got Dwight Howard to take over at center.
This is all about gaining leverage — the way to get the best deal on a new car is to be willing to walk out of the dealership without the keys.
Morey felt everyone knew about his self-imposed trade deadline of this Thursday — because they did (after Friday any players he gets back in an Asik trade cannot be packaged with others in a follow-up trade). With that Morey felt he was only getting lowball offers, so he walked out of the dealership without the keys.
Reports had the Rockets talking to the Celtics for a deal involving Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a future first round pick. There also had been talk of a deal with Philadelphia, likely involving Spencer Hawes among others.
There is little chance Asik is with the Rockets after the Feb. 20 trade deadline, but it’s not going to happen now…
Probably. Again, if you want to put pressure on the other side in a negotiation you walk away from the table. The Rockets did that, it’s possible a team caves in the next 24 hours and gives Morey a deal he wants.
Otherwise, this cloud follows the Rockets around for a while longer.