Houston Ready to Ship Out Omer Asik

The Rockets, however, have been asking too much for Asik which makes it less likely that a trade would be consummated immediately. Aside from an impact player, the Rockets are also entertaining the prospects of getting a first-round pick in next year's draft projected to be filled with a lot of talent.

One trade that was supposed to happen earlier was an Asik-Ryan Henderson swap with the Rockets intrigued with the possibility of getting 'stretch four' forward who can shoot from the outside and make life easier for Howard. The New Orleans Pelicans were also reportedly interested in getting Asik, a rugged center with good defensive instincts to ease the burden of franchise star Anthony Davis. However, the Pelicans have been unwilling to re-engage in talks with Houston, according to Wojnarowski's sources.

Rockets coach Kevin McHale has abandoned his idea of playing Howard and Asik together as the Houston offense has suffered a lot with the two centers on the floor together. Defensively, Howard and Asik can patrol the paint well but have problems guarding sweet-shooting forwards out in the perimeter. (By Jay Cortez http://www.sportsworldnews.com)