NBA trade rumors: Omer Asik asks to be traded, Rockets won't do it, per report

Omer Asik has formally asked the Houston Rockets to trade him after landing superstar free agent Dwight Howard, but the Rockets are not interested in granting the request, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

The Rockets signed Asik as a free agent in 2012 after he spent two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Asik does not want to see his minutes or role with the team diminish with Howard becoming the featured center in Houston.

Houston was rumored to be leaning toward sending Asik to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith in a sign-and-trade deal, but Smith has since agreed to sign with the Detroit Pistons.

Head coach Kevin McHale commented on the situation and said he expects the team to reach out to Asik. McHale believes the Rockets can play two big men together, but the challenge will be the remaining players in the Rockets' lineup making sure they keep the floor spaced.

Asik was the Rockets' starting center in all 82 games last season. In his third year in the NBA, Asik averaged a career high in both points (10.1) and rebounds (11.7).

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