Omer Asik (Photo : Stacy Revere | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue to pick up as more players are placed on the block.
The New Orleans Pelicans are one team that needs to make changes. Their roster needs to be rebuilt around Anthony Davis and Coach Alvin Gentry's up-tempo style.
One of the reasons why they hired Gentry, who was previously an associate head coach of the Golden State Warriors, was to help the team adopt a faster pace this season. Asik may not be the best fit for that purpose.
As team site Pelican Debrief mentioned, "New Orleans was hoping that Asik would buck the trend he showed in the playoffs where he struggled against the Golden State Warriors tempo."
However, Asik was not able to make that leap. He has "struggled mightily to start the season and it does not look at all like Asik fits with what the Pelicans want to do both this season and long-term."
Asik is one of the players mentioned in Sheridan Hoops rundown of players that could be traded. They note his 5 year, $ 52 million deal, but it's not fully guaranteed.
The Pelicans are placing him on the trading block, and one possible taker is the Boston Celtics, who are looking for a defensive center. However, it is assumed that the Pelicans may need to add other pieces to sweeten the deal.
Ryan Anderson has been receiving interest, the only caveat is that he is unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and is projected to command a much higher paycheck.
The Celtics could afford to keep Anderson, and Asik could still develop in a new environment. He is described as a possible option if Boston's grand plan to nab a big-time center (DeMarcus Cousins, Dwight Howard) does not pan out.
For the Pelicans, this is an opportunity to upgrade their frontcourt with more appropriate pieces. One plan is for Anthony Davis to play a "Stretch 5" which is more appropriate for Gentry's game plan. Celtics' horde of power forwards like Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger or even Amir Johnson could play alongside the Unibrow. They also have point guards to back up Jrue Holiday.
This trade could be executed late in the season, at the deadline perhaps if Anderson has not been dealt and the Celtics lose hope (or patience) with Cousins or Howard.
