Asik goes to New Orleans

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--r ... 44266.html

The Houston Rockets have reached agreement on a trade to send center Omer Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for a future first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

For the Rockets, this is the first step in clearing salary-cap space to pursue LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony in free agency. Houston has to move Jeremy Lin next to create space for a third maximum contract on the roster. Dwight Howard and James Harden are already on max contracts for the Rockets.

The Rockets will acquire what will likely be a late lottery pick, possibly as soon as 2015, from the Pelicans, sources said.

Asik gives the Pelicans a rim protector and defender to pair with star forward Anthony Davis.

Asik, 27, had asked for a trade a year ago, wanting out of Houston after the team signed Howard to become its starting center. Asik was injured for parts of the past season and averaged 5.8 points and 7.9 rebounds. As Houston's starting center two years ago, he averaged 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Oh well. Asik got his wish.

Nice. Asik and Anthony Davis duo at front backed up by Tyreke and Jrue backcourt. 6th man Ryan Anderson? Looks good on paper.

Okay so I guess their team looks like Jrue/Gordon/Evans/Davis/Asik with Anderson, Morrow, Rivers, Jason Smith?, Roberts, some guy and Aminu off the bench. Looks like a fringe playoff team but Davis has MVP potential.

If the infamous "basketball reasons" deal is any indication, Dell Demps lacks vision as an NBA exec. He keeps making win now moves for a team that should be rebuilding and that doesn't work if you're a small market club. That roster looks pretty good on paper but I doubt it makes the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference. That top 6 is riddled with serious injury risks and the team is mostly garbage outside of them. Trading away yet another 1st for a guy who will be an RFA next Summer is not wise.

Anthony Davis won't leave money on the the table to be an RFA in three seasons. Trying to win now just sets the team up for a situation like the 05-07 Wolves who had KG and little else. Maybe I'll eat my words and they'll be completely healthy and win 55+ next season but I highly doubt it.

Great move by Morey however, clearing cap space while getting a future first out of it as well.

Melo to Houston, I guess.

Melo to Houston, I guess.

That's what I've thought. It's either him or James heading to Texas...

Source confirms the Rockets will receive the first round pick from Pelicans next year if it is between 4-19.

LeBron/Melo with Beard and Howard? Neither are really a good combination. What is good is Anthony Davis and Asik combo. Pelicians should be a playoffs contender with their new jerseys and whatnot.

Source confirms the Rockets will receive the first round pick from Pelicans next year if it is between 4-19.

Solid.

Now Hornets found their center

And we found you again Badger. <3