Rockets Reportedly Keeping Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik Because Dwight Howard and James Harden Want Them To

After the Rockets signed Dwight Howard, word was Omer Asik wanted out, and many speculated Jeremy Lin might be moved as well to create cap space for another piece or two. But that’s not happening, and according to the Houston Chronicle, it’s because Dwight and James Harden are demanding those two guys stay in H-Town: “General manager Daryl Morey insists he is not looking to deal guard Jeremy Lin and center Omer Asik in the wake of signing Dwight Howard. He has cited Lin’s ability as an attacking guard as a good fit with Howard. He has talked about the value of Asik’s defense off the bench. On Saturday, he added another reason. ‘The reality is James (Harden) and Dwight (Howard) want to play with Jeremy and Omer,’ Morey said. ‘I’ve been kicked down to assistant GM. They’re going to be here. With Howard to supplant Asik as starting center, Morey was more specific about what Asik can bring. ‘When we didn’t have Omer out there last year, we (stunk),’ Morey said. ‘I mean, we were terrible. That was where we lost games. When we had Omer out there, we were a top-10 defensive team. Now we have a defensive player of the year and Omer. That position is so important if you’re going to have a solid defense. Now we have two of the best in the league. I’m very excited.'”