Rockets Not Dealing Omer Asik Despite His Desire For Trade

The one (and perhaps only) person within the Houston Rockets organization who was unhappy with the news that Dwight Howard would be joining the franchise was Omer Asik, who promptly requested a trade after the superstar big man made his decision. Unfortunately for Asik, the Rockets have decided they’re not dealing him. Sorry, bud. Per ESPN: “Houston Rockets center Omer Asik has formally asked the team to trade him in the wake of the team landing Dwight Howard in free agency. But the Rockets have no plans to grant Asik’s wish, sources told ESPN.com. While many Rockets players rejoiced at landing Howard last week and spread cheer on their Twitter accounts, Asik had a different reaction. After starting all 82 games for the Rockets last season and averaging 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, Asik was not happy about his playing time and role being diminished. Both Howard and Asik are true centers and in most situations, it would seem playing them together would be challenging. Shortly after Howard announced his decision, Asik was in contact with the team and asked to be moved. The Rockets, however, have turned away offers thus far and will continue to do so, sources said. On Sunday at the Orlando Pro Summer League, Rockets’ coach Kevin McHale said the team will try to mend fences with Asik. ‘With Omer, he had a great year for us last year and really became one of the top centers in the league,’ McHale said. ‘It’s just when you have an opportunity to get Dwight, it’s hard not to. I’m sure Omer right now is a little down in the dumps, but we’ll pick him up.'”