Houston Rockets: An Omer Asik Trade That Could Work

Cheer up Asik! Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors have been swirling on a constant basis about the future of Houston Rockets center Omer Asik. The Rockets have been reported to want not one, but two first round picks for the rebound machine. A huge demand that will most likely be hard to come by, unless the Phoenix Suns, who have 4 first round picks come knocking. According to Ken Berger at CBSSports.com, a rival general manager called the Rockets “delusional” for setting the price on Asik so high.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey apparently hasn’t felt the need to lower his asking price, even as his leverage diminished once Asik requested a trade and failed to play well in lineups with Dwight Howard. The first potential issue is Asik’s contract, which will require him to be paid $15 million next season, even though his cap number will stay at $8 million.

So I headed over to the ESPN NBA Trade Machine and after tons of failed trades, I finally got one to work.

Jeff Green, the Boston Celtics swingman matches up well salary-wise with Omer, aside from Green’s contract lasting till 2015-16.. Both players are 27 and, Boston has only rookie Kelly Olynyk, and rookie Brazilian Vitor Faverani at center. Currently Olynyk is day-to-day with an ankle sprain and Faverani is years away from being at Asik’s level.

Why would Houston trade for Jeff Green?

Against the Utah Jazz on Monday night the Rockets were without Chandler Parsons for the first time this season. His absence was noticeable early on as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward had his way Francisco Garcia, and James Harden. Parsons was also responsible for the early offense output from the Rockets during the five-game winning streak. Green would become the Rockets highly-paid sixth man and at 6’9″ would be able to play power forward if need be.  Of course the Rockets would miss having a backup center, but Greg Smith is a capable backup and Dwight Howard when not in foul trouble can easily play 30+ minutes a game.

I’m not completely sold on the trade, but Jeff Green off the bench, or starting an place of an injured starter would definitely be an improvement. Someone get Daryl Morey on the phone.