As it turns out, if any general manager is interested in taking the four years and $43.8 million that remain on Omer Asik’s deal, they totally can!
Isn’t that great?
Here’s CSN New England’s A. Sherrod Blakely:
Omer Asik, the rim-protecting big man who has not been nearly as impactful in the Big Easy as he was in Chicago, is very much available a league source has told CSNNE.com.
While the Celtics were rumored to have had interest in him when he was in Chicago as well as during his time with the Pelicans, another league source indicated they anticipate the Celtics will take a wait-and-see approach with any potential trade that doesn’t significantly enhance their chances at making a deep playoff run and being a contender in the East along with defending champion Cleveland and Toronto.
With regards to the Celtics, don’t expect an Omer Asik trade to happen. They could use another rim protector, but four years of Asik isn’t what they’ll be in the market for.
With regards to the rest of the NBA, don’t expect an Asik trade to happen, either.
Values of lumbering bigs have plummeted in recent years, and Asik’s contract, coupled with his relative irrelevance on the offensive end, will make him impossible for New Orleans to move. The Pelicans could always attach a first-round sweetener or the expiring contract of Jrue Holiday to any deal, but that’s iffy territory—especially for a team that has no business dealing any of its first-round goodies.
Basically, Pelicans fans, don’t get your hopes up. Chances are Asik finishes this season, and perhaps his contract, in New Orleans. And if he doesn’t, it’ll be because the Pelicans forked over a significant asset to grease the wheels for his departure.
