A trade deal was proposed that New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans would be traded for Oklahoma City Thunder Dion Waiters and Enes Kanter.
In a forum on Real GM, a deal involving Pelicans' Evans and Asik for Thunder's Waiters and Kanter was projected for OKC to save a little amount of the team's luxury taxes.
Thunder is believed to be preparing for Kevin Durant's looming free agency in 2016, so it makes sense that OKC could send some of their players to save all the money they can for retaining their prized player.
With the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards planning to go all out for Durant next year, the Thunder could cut their luxury taxes to remain relevant in pursuing KD.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are struggling early in the season under the helm of new coach Alvin Gentry and Evans has yet to play for NOP after undergoing surgery for his injured knee.
For New Orleans, it is also realistic for the team to shakeup their roster a bit if they are not planning to sack Gentry early in the 2015-2016 NBA season, which has been a trend in the league in the past few years.
Evans is expected to return in late November or by December, according to CBS Sports via Sam Amick of USA Today. Evans could make a bit of a difference for the Pelicans when he comes back, considering his output last season of 16.6 points and 6.6 assists, but his late arrival could mean a lot of adjustments for the team and for himself.
Meanwhile, Asik should be getting quality minutes, especially with Kendrick Perkins sidelined. But Gentry's up-tempo offense and small ball lineup limits Asik's involvement with the team. So far, the 7-foot center is only playing 15.7 minutes and contributing 2.0 points per game.
Dealing them for Waiters and Kanter would not solve the backcourt problems of the Pelicans. But a frontcourt tandem of Kanter and Davis would create nightmares to other teams, while Waiters could provide the needed spark at the shooting guard position.
However, it is unlikely the Thunder would deal these players, considering how they fit well in Billy Donovan's playbooks.
In the Thunder's first eight games, Waiters has averaged 10.6 points, while Kanter has 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds.
The deal involving all four players would be possible, according to Real GM trade checker, but Kanter is not tradable until January next year.
There is no trade talks yet between both teams, but with the Pelicans struggling and the Thunder getting ready for Durant's free agency, a roster shuffle could be possible before the deadline.