Houston trades Omer Asik to New Orleans for a future pick
Houston is finalizing a deal to send Omer Asik to New Orleans, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014New Orleans will send a future first-round pick to Houston for Asik, league source tells Yahoo Sports. Deal will give Rockets cap space.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014For the Rockets, this is Step 1 in clearing the cap space to chase LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony in free agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014Houston will acquire what will likely be a late lottery pick, perhaps as soon as 2015, from New Orleans, sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014For New Orleans, Asik gives them a rim protector and defender to pair with star Anthony Davis.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014Well... shit.
There has to be more to this deal, so stay tuned as news develops, but WOW. Asik- a guy who was asking for more than anyone was willing to give a few months ago, just got shipped to N.O. for a lottery ticket.
For Houston, this ships off a headache and makes room to land a super-duper star, or several other pieces to support Harden and Howard. The Rockets mean business.
Asik, who has been involved in a million different trades rumors involving Boston for the entire 2013-14 season will help to solidify the New Orleans front court. I can't imagine they are done dealing, so hold on to your butts.
As for Asik and Boston... This is all it took?! A pick in 2015?! DON'T WE HAVE A FEW OF THOSE, DANNY?! If this was the price for Asik and Boston wasn't involved, that tells me that Ainge has plans for those picks.
The winds of change are blowing. I know Danny 'n' the Boys promised fireworks... but I think I'd prefer a Nor'easter.
Follow Padraic on Twitter @padraic_oconnor
