Houston Rockets: New York Knicks Express Interest In Omer Asik, and Jeremy Lin

Nov 14, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) is defended by New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The trade deadline is less than a week away, which means it’s almost time for trade rumors to go away until the summer. But not before some of the rumors that have been thrown out there become true. Houston Rockets center Omer Asik has been on the trade market virtually the entire season, and according to Matt Agne of Knicks 101, the New York Knicks may emerge as a destination for Asik, if the Rockets end up deciding to deal him, as well as Jeremy Lin:

“Rockets GM Daryl Morey has asked a lot for Asik all season long. He should. He’s in a position of power with a skilled big man who is under control for another two seasons after this one is over. He also shouldn’t let Lin go cheaply. It could save Houston a lot of money to trade Asik and Lin but they’re also impact players on their roster. That’s not something you give away without compensation. 

Asik want out of Houston. He believes he’s on the verge of becoming and All-Star center and shouldn’t have to sit behind Howard or shift to power forward to play beside him. The biggest obstacle of trading him is finding a team willing to pay him the $14,898,938.

There’s little doubt that the Knicks would love to bring Asik to New York. He’s four years younger than Tyson Chandler who projects as a relatively even scorer as Chandler but a better rebounder Per-36. 

However, at 7’0″, 230 pounds he has a better, wider frame than Chandler with a solid lower body and a 7’2″ wingspan. Asik plays with a great motor, is a serious player with fairly nice athleticism. He finishes nicely around the rim, has a developing mid-range game and is an active defender.

Lin has played well for Houston. but his and James Harden’s skill sets work better separately so Lin has found himself coming off the bench. There’s little doubt that he’d prefer to be a starter. Clearly he’d be an upgrade to Raymond Felton. However, Lin is also scheduled to make $14,898,938 next season.”

ESPN’s David Thorpe has also suggested that the Knicks could emerge with a last minute push for Asik as they are desperately looking for frontcourt help, with Iman Shumpert, Tim Hardaway Jr, and either Tyson Chandler or Raymond Felton involved, along with Lin.

Stephen A. Smith stated on his radio show on Friday morning on ESPN New York, that he heard about the possibility of this deal:

“You also want them to consider doing something with Raymond Felton. Heard some news about some potential deal involving Jeremy Lin. Can’t imagine getting Jeremy Lin to come back to New York, but with the state of affairs that exists with the New York Knicks right now, I wouldn’t be opposed to it, to be quite honest with you. Anything is help. Anything! I mean, my Lord, it’s just been bad.”

Based on Rockets’ general manager Daryl Morey’s history at trade deadlines, almost anything is possible, and some type of trade for the Rockets is probably expected. Just who will be involved is the ultimate mystery until Feb. 20 hits.