Rockets center Omer Asik might want out of Houston, but the Rockets aren’t interested in peddling him, ESPN.com reported, citing sources.
Asik was removed from the Rockets’ starting lineup on Wednesday against the 76ers after the team discovered playing he and Dwight Howard at the same time didn’t produce consistent results. The move makes his trade value much lower. Asik averaged a career-high 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds last season, when the Rockets did not have Howard. Asik then did not play in Thursday’s game over the Knicks, with Rockets coach Kevin McHale saying Asik was not feeling well. Take that with a grain of salt, of course. McHale also said he is unaware about any rumors involving Asik.
Asik has wanted out since Houston signed Howard, but the Rockets want him around in case injuries strike. Asik is also averaging nearly 10 fewer minutes per game through the first 10 games of the season.
Staff writer Sean Deveney contributed to this report.