THURSDAY - ASIK TRADE - UPDATE

Where the 1st round draft pick is holding up the Asik to Boston trade

BOSTON.COM

Celtics president Danny Ainge would prefer to trade the Clippers’ 2015 first-rounder, the pick the team obtained as compensation for allowing LA to sign coach Doc Rivers — the Clippers are likely to be a good team next season, which would lessen the value of the pick. The Rockets would prefer to have a pick in the loaded 2014 NBA Draft. Boston owns its pick and the lesser of the picks between the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets.
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Mannix & Blakely: Asik to C's deal likely

CSNE

Omir Asik may have played his final game for the Houston Rockets.



A trade that would send 7-footer Omer Asik from the Houston Rockets to the Celtics is likely to happen, CSNNE.com Celtics insider A. Sherrod Blakely and Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated each told "SportsNet Central" on Wednesday night.

The rumored deal, which first surfaced Wednesday afternoon, would send Asik to Boston for Celtics forward Brandon Bass, guard Courtney Lee and a first-round draft pick.

When asked if the deal would get done, Blakley said he thought so, but it might not include Lee, who told Blakely it was his understanding he wouldn't be in a deal if a third team wasn't involved. Trade talks appear to be only between Houston and Boston.

Mannix said he had received texts from NBA sources that told him the trade will happen.

"I think the deal will eventually go through," he said. "They're haggling over draft picks."

The Celtics have acquired several first-rounders and which one they send to Houston is likely the final part of the deal that needs to be resolved, Mannix said.
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Celtics stance still unchanged -Trade talks not that hot


TAKING THEIR SHOT: There has been no progress by the Celtics on a possible trade for Omer Asik.

BOSTON HERALD - Steve Bulpett
 

On the list of spectators for this latest round of trade rumors, one should be certain to include the Celtics. While the club is said to be more than open to the possibility of acquiring Omer Asik from Houston, it has made no move in that direction in several days.

Multiple sources confirmed that an offer of Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a first-round draft pick — protected, at that — indeed was made by the Celts last week. When it was summarily turned down by the Rockets, the matter was closed and remained that way yesterday.

And in a separate issue, the Rajon Rondo trade winds have not started blowing. Several sources insist the Celtics have grown even more committed to seeing how well the Rondo-Brad Stevens combination, already in harmony off the court, works in games.

Back on the Asik front, the growing belief is that Houston, working under a self-imposed quasi-deadline of today to deal Asik (because the Rockets would then be able to move the players they receive by the Feb. 20 trade deadline), is looking to stir interest in the backup center.

The Celtics were one of the teams that sought to be involved when Asik became available, but according to an executive from another club, Danny Ainge has set the price he’s willing to pay and isn’t interested in overspending.

“Why should he?” the source said. “He’s holding a lot of cards. He has some decent players and a lot of first-round draft picks. And that team isn’t going anywhere this year, so what’s his rush?”

Asik could fit well with the Celts as a better version of Kendrick Perkins, but he is not without his limits. The 7-foot Turkish center is seen as a guy who will play 25-30 minutes per game, and he’s an offensive liability in crunch time (a 53.4 percent free throw shooter in his career).

Asik’s defense would help solidify the C’s, but he wouldn’t be enough to make them contenders.

Among his best assets for the Celtics would be an inside presence that would allow Jared Sullinger to play his more natural power forward position.

But again, as of today, that point was seen as moot.

The Celtics were not deep in talks with the Rockets yesterday. They were not negotiating which first-round pick to include in the deal, or how well-protected that pick would be.

According to a source from a team that was involved in the process but dropped out, the next move would have to come from the Rockets.

“It’s kind of funny how things that have been dead for a while keep coming up,” he said. “The only way I can see anything happening is if (Rockets general manager Daryl Morey) decides he wants something that he’s already said no to.

“I can see where the thing with Boston makes sense for (the Celtics). Lee and Bass are good, but they’re complementary guys. And if the first-round pick is protected, what do (the Celtics) have to lose? But Daryl didn’t go for that before, and I don’t see how he changes on that. Asik has to be a more important asset than that.”

The Rockets have known for quite some time that Asik wants out. Word is he was told the club would sign no center ahead of him when he agreed to join Houston as a free agent in 2012. When Dwight Howard was lured this past summer, Asik reminded them of his agreement and quietly asked to be moved.

The Rockets tried to play Howard and Asik together, but the presence on the floor of two non-shooters was a problem. And Asik, who will be a free agent again after the 2014-15 season, told the team he would not be able to get his minutes and rebound numbers with Howard around.

That led to the events of the past week, a bidding war that might be growing short on bidders.

112288

Who is driving the car?

it seems to me that the Rockets are the ones in somewhat of a pickle because they have to move Asik.

Of course playing Howard and Asik together could never work because neither is a high post big.

Here's the other thing... it seems like another player would be coming to Boston in addition to Asik. Lee plus bass does not = asik from a salary standpoint.

And the other possibility is that the day could expire with no deal in place. February will provide the Celtics with more flexibility because the Humphries pro rated expiring contract will have even more value to a team in need of a salary dump.

dboss

DBOSS,

CELTICS ARE IN A WIN WIN POSITION...HOWEVER NOT SURE A FEB TRADE COULD LAND A BIG LIKE ASIK.

USUALLY FEB TRADES FOR MAJOR TALENT ARE AROUND GUARDS AND FORWARDS.

112288

In the words of KG  "Anything is Possible"

It appears that the Celtics are one of the few teams that has the assets to make a deal and not leverage what they already have.  The Rockets have to make a deal.  They have already made that fact public so there is no turning back for them.  The longer they keep the disgruntled Asik in the locker room or on the bench or play him in a game the longer the negativity cloud floats over their heads.

They have to make a deal and I also read where the deadline is actually the 20th not the
19th which would give them the latitude to acquire players in a trade for Asik and trade them in February.

I agree 100% that the Celtics find themselves in a win, win situation.

dboss

I'm echoing 112288 and dboss.  We're in a good position and Danny's mouth is an icebox for Haagen-Daaz.

I have a slight preference for Hump to go for Asik, but I think it'll be Bass.  That sucks since I have been a fan of Bass for a long time.  I loved him in Dallas, was pissed when he went to Orlando and was estatic when Danny traded him for Big Baby.

Bass makes less than Asik, which means if Lee is not included in the deal then we are taking on more $ than we're giving up and that doesn't make sense given Danny's rock-hard assertion that we will stay under the cap this year to avoid the repeater tax.

I am not as big a fan of Asik (btw, his name is pronounced like "Ah-shik") as some.  Based upon my observations he has stone hands, can't hit free throws (which makes him a liability in clutch time), has the offense of Ryan Hollins (he makes Perk's offense look like Hakeem the Dream) but we need a player that the role he can fill, we need a player who will protect the rim and hold the baseline and he certainly can do that.

By getting a legit, starting NBA center Sully will be able to go back to PF most of the time.

If only Kelly was NBA center material, then Sully could play PF all the time, but Kelly is way, way, way too soft and weak. Really, to even play PF. He is really getting roughed up out there.

On a final happy note, I'm glad that the Rondo-to-Sacto rumors are now proving to be pure Donny Marshall Horses--t.  Rondo and Brad are BFF on the bench?  Excellent.

Ok, bring it all on...


bob


.

Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a first-round draft pick for Asik.  The draft pick has no salary value at this time, it is just incentive for Houston.

Here are some trade checkers that show that this trade works:

http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/6387191

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine

These two just analyze the trade:

https://basketballmonster.com/tradeanalysis.aspx

http://www.fantasysp.com/trade/nba/1496209/asik-lee-bass

gyso

THIS JUST IN FROM ESPNBOSTON.COM

Rockets weighing Omer Asik options
Updated: December 19, 2013, 11:18 AM ET
By Marc Stein | ESPN.com


Rockets On Track To Trade Omer Asik

Brian Windhorst discusses the latest trade rumors surrounding Rockets C Omer Asik.

The day has arrived for the Houston Rockets to live up to their vow to trade disgruntled center Omer Asik.

The Rockets have been telling teams for two weeks that they will trade Asik by Thursday, and according to sources close to the process, they gradually continued to move in that direction Wednesday.

ESPN.com reported Tuesday that the Boston Celtics had emerged as the strongest rivals to the Philadelphia 76ers in terms of Asik's likely destination. Entering the final hours before the Rockets' self-imposed deadline, sources said Houston officials spent much of Wednesday weighing the merits of Boston's offer of forward Brandon Bass, guard Courtney Lee and a future first-round draft pick for the 7-footer from Turkey while also remaining engaged in talks with Philadelphia and leaving open the possibility that other teams could still join the bidding.



Omer Asik has been coming off the bench since mid-November, adding to his frustration.
The Rockets, sources said, have been interested in prying veteran center Spencer Hawes away from the Sixers along with a future first-round pick, but they won't know until Thursday whether Philadelphia is prepared to part with that much for Asik or whether Boston's offer is the best available.

The Boston Herald reported late Wednesday that the Celtics actually made the offer featuring Bass, Lee and a protected first-rounder last week, only for Houston to reject it.

On Thursday, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge downplayed the notion his team is on the cusp of making a trade, but he acknowledged that the front office staff is having discussions with teams about what is available.

Appearing on Boston sports radio 98.5 the Sports Hub, Ainge was asked if any deal was imminent.

"I have no indication of that, other than the rumors," Ainge said. "I have no indication, in my dealings with and calls with other teams, that we're close to doing a deal."

When this process began, Rockets officials were hopeful of getting more for Asik, who is regarded as one of the league's elite interior defenders. But the combination of Asik's offensive limitations and a $15 million balloon payment next season in the final year of his contract appears to have made it difficult for Houston to generate the interest it anticipated.

When ESPN.com first reported Dec. 6 that the Rockets were telling teams they planned to trade Asik by Dec. 19, one of the reasons used to explain Houston's deadline was the fact that Thursday is the last day any traded players can be packaged with other players in a subsequent trade before the league's Feb. 20 deadline. The immediate decision for Houston, then, is whether it's better to go ahead with the best available offer Thursday to retain maximum flexibility or whether it's smarter to step away from the bargaining table and reset in hopes of getting a better deal.

Sources said the quality of the draft pick that the Celtics are willing to surrender from their stash of nearly 10 future first-rounders over the next half-decade will be a key factor in determining whether the proposed Asik-to-Boston deal goes through.

Many sources connected to the talks, however, expressed belief Wednesday that the Rockets ultimately will go through with a trade, since Asik's demotion from the starting lineup and desire to be dealt following Dwight Howard's arrival in July have hung over the team for the past month.

The Rockets will have a better chance of getting a trade construction they like if a third team can be recruited as a facilitator, but sources said Wednesday that the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers -- two teams widely anticipated to be at the heart of the Asik talks -- were not engaged in active negotiations with Houston.



The Hawks, sources said, have been resistant to making versatile forward Paul Millsap available to the Rockets, while Cleveland's interest was said to be as a potential third team to absorb the contract of Celtics forward Jeff Green. But sources say Boston has refused to make Green available in Asik scenarios, offering Bass instead.

Both Bass and Lee played with Howard in Orlando, but there are questions about how well Bass' game meshes with Howard's compared to power forwards with better shooting range. On the plus side, Bass has only one season left on his contract after this one at $6.9 million.

There are league sources, meanwhile, who have maintained all month that the Rockets' plan to trade Asik by Dec. 19 was hatched in part because of general manager Daryl Morey's confidence in being able to strike a deal with Philadelphia, where former Rockets assistant general manager Sam Hinkie is now running the Sixers' front office.

The combination of a thigh injury that led to knee discomfort and Asik's clear frustration since being dropped from Houston's starting five in mid-November has limited him to just eight games since Nov. 20, with stints ranging from seven to 23 minutes in those appearances off the bench behind Howard.

Houston tried playing Howard and Asik together and initially was hesitant to entertain trade offers for the 27-year-old, based on the premise that the luxury of having either Howard or Asik on the court at all times was too valuable to surrender so quickly. But Asik's angry reaction to losing his starting spot changed the dynamic.

Asik has wanted a new address from the moment Howard arrived in July and, according to sources, has privately requested a trade numerous times in the months since.

He started his first 90 games as a Rocket after signing as a free agent in the summer of 2012 before declaring himself unavailable to play the Knicks in New York on Nov. 14, snapping a streak of 239 consecutive games played in the regular season. Asik is averaging 18.3 minutes per game, down from last season's career high of 30.3, and is averaging just 4.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.

112288

Danny being Danny. Makes an offer and then will just wait you out. Whoever talks first, loses. Remember the whole Doc and LAC thing this summer? Houston tried to hype this up as a "bidding war" but nobody else has come to the rodeo (Atlanta has dropped out, Philly will offer Hawes but not much more), as another blogger put it and Danny's just waiting them out and letting the clock work on their nerves.


http://bostonherald.com/sports/celtics_nba/boston_celtics/2013/12/celtics_rockets_trade_talks_not_so_hot


Celtics-Rockets trade talks not so hot
121813asik1.jpg
Photo by: AP
Omer Asik.
1
Wednesday, December 18, 2013 PrintEmailComments [0]
By:
Steve Bulpett


On the list of spectators for this latest round of trade rumors, one should be certain to include the Celtics. While the club is said to be more than open to the possibility of acquiring Omer Asik from Houston, it has made no move in that direction in several days.

Multiple sources confirmed that an offer of Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee and a first-round draft pick — protected, at that — was indeed made by the Celts ... last week. When it was summarily turned down by the Rockets, the matter was closed and remained such as of late today.

And in a separate issue, as regards Rajon Rondo, matters have yet to be opened. Several sources are now insisting that the Celtics have grown even more committed to seeing how well the Rondo-Brad Stevens combination, already in harmony off the court, performs in games.

Back on the Asik front, the growing belief is that Houston, working under a self-imposed quasi-deadline of tomorrow to deal Asik (because the Rockets would be able to then move the players they receive by the Feb. 20 NBA trade deadline), is looking to stir interest in the backup center.

The Celtics were one of the teams that sought to be involved when Asik became available, but, according to an executive from another club, Danny Ainge has set the price he’s willing to pay and isn’t interested in overspending.

“Why should he?” said the source. “He’s holding a lot of cards. He has some decent players and a lot of first round draft picks. And that team isn’t going anywhere this year, so what’s his rush?”

Asik could fit well with the Celts as a better version of Kendrick Perkins, but he is not without his limits. He is seen as a 25-to-30 minute-a-game player who is an offensive liability at the end of games (a .534 career free throw shooter).

Asik’s defense would help solidify the C’s, but he wouldn’t be enough to lift the club to the level of contender.

Among his best assets for the Celtics would be that his presence would allow Jared Sullinger to play his more natural power forward position.

But, again, as of today, that point was seen as moot.

The Celtics were not deep in talks with the Rockets today. They were not negotiating over which first-round pick would be included in the deal or how well protected that pick would be.

According to a source from a team that has been involved in the process and dropped out, the next move would have to come from the Rockets.

“It’s kind of funny how things that have been dead for a while keep coming up,” he said. “The only way I can see anything happening is if Daryl (Morey, the Houston GM) decides he wants something that he’s already said no to.

“I can see where the thing with Boston makes sense for (the Celtics). Lee and Bass are good, but they’re complementary guys. And if the first-round pick is protected, what do (the Celtics) have to lose? But Daryl didn’t go for that before, and I don’t see how he changes on that. Asik has to be a more important asset than that.”

The Rockets have known for quite some time that Asik wants out. Word is he was told the club would sign no center ahead of him when he agreed to join Houston as a free agent in 2012. When Dwight Howard was lured this past summer, Asik reminded them of his and quietly asked to be moved.

The Rockets tried to play Howard and Asik together, but the presence on the floor of two non-shooters was a problem. And Asik, who will be a free agent again after next season, told the team he would not be able to get his minutes and rebound numbers with Howard around.

That led to this past week and a bidding war that may be growing short on bidders.



bob



.

ok so a deal could happen or not happen.

I do however maintain my opinion that if the Celtics added Asik and Rajon comes back and is in form by the playoffs we will be one tough out for any team.

When bass was playing with howard in orlando i thought they played very well together so to me that would be a good fit for Houston.

In other news..............

dboss

The Rockets have been told they have until 12/20, NOT 12/19, to trade Asik and still be able to re-trade whomever comes to Houston in that trade this year.

So, their self-imposed deadline might be extended until tomorrow, 12/20, but I don't see how that's going to make a difference. If nobody's giving you what you want today when everybody has been operating under the belief that today was the last day, do you really think they will give it to you tomorrow? Do you really think they'll wake up and think "Thank God! I almost blew this over one day! I'll give you whatever you want, whatever you want!"?

At this point I can almost guarantee all the GMs know what has and has not been offered for Asik. If they take him off the table all they will do is lock into place the unreaonableness of their demands and the maximum offer that will come their way. It won't get better.



bob


.

Wojnarowski tweats deal dead.

Tweets All / No replies
Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 60s
Houston needs to buy more time to find a deal. Rockets weren't dealing from a place of leverage now, and rest of league knew it.

sam wrote:Wojnarowski tweats deal dead.

Tweets All / No replies
Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 60s
Houston needs to buy more time to find a deal. Rockets weren't dealing from a place of leverage now, and rest of league knew it.

They just figured out that, by imposing a drop dead date, they were painting themselves into a box too?

Danny just identified the slowest wildebeest in the herd.  He won't give up pursuit now, he'll just wait and keep pace until they show signs of tiring.


bob


.

Of course That kinda was what i was saying.  they have to make a deal because their big mouth GM told the whole world that they would trade Asik.

As the minutes and hours pass, that strange feeling Morely gets will be the S...t dripping in his pants.  

And I can just see danny waiting for him to fold his hand.  

I think the compensation regardless of which pick is included is more than generous.  I think Houston is finding that out so unless some other team outbids Boston the deal should get done.  The combined production of bass and Lee is pretty damn good along with a 1st rounder for the offensively challenged Asik.

dboss

As far as getting Asik, I do think he could help the team a lot.

It's just unfortunate they'd have to hand over a legit rotation/potential starter like Bass in the process. But I guess my sentimental value will get me nowhere...



KJ

I'm not sure why people think that Morey will have to cave to Danny or someone else.
Houston is already going to be a 50+ win team.
Morey didn't have to trade Asik 2 months before the trade deadline.

I could not see Houston taking Bass, Lee and the Clippers 1st round pick next year for Asik.

Asik will probably be traded but on Morey's terms not on another GM's.

tjmakz wrote:I'm not sure why people think that Morey will have to cave to Danny or someone else.
Houston is already going to be a 50+ win team.
Morey didn't have to trade Asik 2 months before the trade deadline.

I could not see Houston taking Bass, Lee and the Clippers 1st round pick next year for Asik.

Asik will probably be traded but on Morey's terms not on another GM's.

That really depends. Perhaps Houston is putting unnecessary pressure on themselves which could trick them into thinking they have to make some concessions. Plus, Bass has great trade potential. He fits their needs more than Asik does.

Houston wants a 1st for next year, but Boston won't likely give that up.



KJ

Have to give value for value.  Many people think trades should be predicated upon who can fleece whom.  They are ill-advised.

By the way, Trade Machine says that a trade of Bass and Lee for Asik would increase Houston's win total by 3 games this season while decreasing Boston's win total by 6 games.  To calculate this stat, they use Hollinger's absolutely pathetic PER calculations (otherwise known as "I've never met an offensive stat I didn't deify").  I wonder whether, when Holeinhead watches a basketball, he has an internal reflex that puts him to sleep every time a player protects the rim, sets a pick, or blocks out on the boards.

Sam

tjmakz wrote:I'm not sure why people think that Morey will have to cave to Danny or someone else.
Houston is already going to be a 50+ win team.
Morey didn't have to trade Asik 2 months before the trade deadline.

I could not see Houston taking Bass, Lee and the Clippers 1st round pick next year for Asik.

Asik will probably be traded but on Morey's terms not on another GM's.

TJ I think you are wrong about this.  Morely has to trade Asik because he said he needed to do it sooner rather than later.  His credibility is on the line and more importantly Asik's presence on the team is a big negative.

The reported compenation was more than fair considering the risk that the acquiring team has to take on.

Morely has already screwed up two deals by overpaying both Asik and Lin...

It certainly does not sound like teams are lining up like at the Walmart on black Friday.

Further, the Rockets are trying to dump salary so if they do not make a deal now they will not be able to trade a Lee and/or bass  at the February trade deadline for perhaps an expiring contract.  

Danny is behind the wheel of this deal and he is on cruise control while listening to Smooth Jazz on the radio.

dboss

Maybe now Morey will know better than to backload contracts like a moron.



KJ

dboss wrote:

tjmakz wrote:I'm not sure why people think that Morey will have to cave to Danny or someone else.
Houston is already going to be a 50+ win team.
Morey didn't have to trade Asik 2 months before the trade deadline.

I could not see Houston taking Bass, Lee and the Clippers 1st round pick next year for Asik.

Asik will probably be traded but on Morey's terms not on another GM's.

TJ I think you are wrong about this.  Morely has to trade Asik because he said he needed to do it sooner rather than later.  His credibility is on the line and more importantly Asik's presence on the team is a big negative.

The reported compenation was more than fair considering the risk that the acquiring team has to take on.

Morely has already screwed up two deals by overpaying both Asik and Lin...

It certainly does not sound like teams are lining up like at the Walmart on black Friday.

Further, the Rockets are trying to dump salary so if they do not make a deal now they will not be able to trade a Lee and/or bass  at the February trade deadline for perhaps an expiring contract.  

Danny is behind the wheel of this deal and he is on cruise control while listening to Smooth Jazz on the radio.

dboss

With having to take on Lee's contract, I don't think the deal was the best one Houston can make.
Was it very lopsided toward one team, no.
Celtics fans always think that Danny is in control in negotiations but Morey has the player Danny wants. Morey's not calling Danny to see what it would take to get Brandon Bass.
The price for a starting center in the NBA is usually more than 2 role players and a crappy 1st round draft pick.

Morey might trade Asik tomorrow or next week or next month.

Danny is hoping for this deal because he hasn't had a legitimate starting center in years and there's none on the horizon.

I don't get the impression at all that Houston is trying to dump salary.
They are not a team bloated in salaries like Brooklyn or New York.

Brooks would then take over Lee's minutes (I personally think Lee is a better player because he also plays defense), and Asik would slide Sullinger back to PF.

Sure, the trade would strengthen their post play and interior defense, but I think their offense might not be as good without Bass's reliable FG and FT shooting (Lee is pretty solid in those areas, too).

Another thing is, does Asik run the court? Or will he end up slowing them down even more? Boston has to run to be successful and swapping players is more than just exchanging stats. Some team dynamics will change, for instance Boston will have fewer scorers. Right now, they have a large number of guy's that can get hot on any given night, and they'd be giving up two of them.

I'm not sold on this trade just yet.



KJ

k_j_88 wrote:Brooks would then take over Lee's minutes (I personally think Lee is a better player because he also plays defense), and Asik would slide Sullinger back to PF.

Sure, the trade would strengthen their post play and interior defense, but I think their offense might not be as good without Bass's reliable FG and FT shooting (Lee is pretty solid in those areas, too).

Another thing is, does Asik run the court? Or will he end up slowing them down even more? Boston has to run to be successful and swapping players is more than just exchanging stats. Some team dynamics will change, for instance Boston will have fewer scorers. Right now, they have a large number of guy's that can get hot on any given night, and they'd be giving up two of them.

I'm not sold on this trade just yet.



KJ

KJ,


What trade?



bob


.

I'll just sit back and wait. Back in October when we knew the hand we had been dealt for the season who expected Asik to apparently become available? No on that I recall. We need not be a rush to make any move IMHO. Hump becomes more valuable later and who's to say what deals may come about then. And who can project what those draft picks might become?

Houston is the one that has set the terms and are finding out that might not have been their best move going forward. By not playing him does his stock slowly go down?

Clock is ticking

beat

On 12/4 it was announced that Asik wouldn't play for about a week due to a "thigh contusion", which means he had a bruise.

He did not play last night, 12/18.  That's two weeks later.  Is he really that slow a healer or is he being held out?  If he's being held out then either Asik is being difficult OR Morey hasn't grasped the concept of showcasing (see Crawford, Jordan; Bass, Brandon; Humphries, Kris; Lee, Courtney).

Maybe it's me, but I think Morey has handled this completely wrong.  He announced he was a motivated buyer, mistake #1.  He set a deadline for a bidding war to end, mistake #2 since he didn't know that at the end he'd be happy with the bids.  Never make a demand unless you're confident you know what you'll get and that you'll be happy with it.  Negotiation 101.  He's pulling Asik off the market.  That is neither a mistake nor a stroke of genius since everybody knows what has happened and that he didn't get what he wanted.  This means that he has a disgruntled player that he won't let go of because others don't see the value he wants and everybody now knows that the value he wants is not being offered by anybody and therefore never will be offered (a bit long, but I think it makes sense).  Basically, he's asking for the moon, didn't get offered the moon, everybody knows it and now nobody will ever offer him the moon because they know that he's not worth it on the open market.  Who voluntarily overpays?

Personally, I think what he's asking for Asik is too much, but that's neither here nor there.  What is relevant, however, is that every GM in the league (translation:  qualified buyer) thinks it's too much and every GM in the league knows that it makes no sense to overbid for something.

He made an outrageous offer to Jeremy Lin to get him away from NYK, he added a poison pill in Asik's offer to deter a counter from Chicago and now this.  I'm not all that impressed with his track record to-date.  Yes, he got D12 (although I think letting him go was a good move for LAL anyway) but that was largely due to the sales efforts of Chandler Parsons and Harden and the animus between him and Kobe.  He was leaving LA anyway and Morey's eyes are bigger than his stomach (as my grandfather used to tell me).


bob



.

Bob,

There's a reason why Asik has not been playing.
Houston does not want him to get hurt right before they trade him.
What showcasing needs to be done while playing next to Dwight?
Smart move by Houston by holding him out.

In my opinion, Morey made a good move in signing Asik and Lin.
The cap number for Asik, a starting center is only $8m per year.
I am sure they expected and maybe received financial benefits from the large asian community in Houston by signing Lin. Jeremy has been pretty good on the court, but not great.
I think Morey did a good job in building the Rockets from a team with draft picks and cap space into a contenfer for years to come.
You criticize Morey for giving up nothing to sign Dwight?
If Danny signed Dwight would you be so critical?
Every team in the league would love to have Dwight as their starting center.