Jeremy Lin will likely remain with the Houston Rockets for the remainder of the season, but Omer Asik could be dealt before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.
According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the Rockets could trade Asik to the Philadelphia 76ers before the deadline with sources indicating that the Rockets have already re-opened talks with the Sixers about a potential trade for the disgruntled center.
The Rockets and the 76ers were in deep talks about a trade for Asik in December before the negotiations hit a snag when Houston remained firm on their demand for a first-round pick aside from an impact player in any deal for Asik.
The 76ers were identified as the most likely landing spot because they can absorb Asik's contract without giving up a player to the Rockets since they are still $11 million under the salary cap at this point of the season.
However, it is still unknown at this point whether or not the 76ers are willing to trade away future first-round picks.
Previous rumors indicated that the 76ers have been shopping their trade assets like Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, and Spencer Hawes for a pick.
Hawes is reportedly the primary target of the Rockets, but the 76ers could opt to use the veteran center in acquiring another draft pick in a separate deal before the deadline.
"The Rockets want a first-round pick for Asik, sources say. The Sixers have New Orleans' 2014 pick (top 5 protected), but are looking to use their cap space to acquire first-round picks -- not divest them. Philadelphia's floor-spacing Spencer Hawes interests the Rockets, but the Sixers have been asking teams for a first-round pick in return," Berger noted in his report.
Berger added that the Atlanta Hawks have also signified their interest in Asik, but they still believe the Rockets' asking price is too high. The Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets were also mentioned in previous trade talks, but they have no interest in trading for Asik because of the Rockets' asking price.
"Teams like the Raptors and Nets have no interest in acquiring Asik, sources say. The Hawks like him, but not at the Rockets' current asking price. The problem in assembling a deal with the Sixers is the same problem the teams experienced in December, only worse because more of Asik's total compensation over the next two years is in the rear-view mirror," Berger noted.
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