The Houston Rockets may look to trade Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik for Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo. The trade could happen in the coming weeks, according to the New York Daily News.
"(A trade) scenario involving Rondo could unfold in the coming weeks and months with the Rockets amendable to trading unhappy backup center Omer Asik," Frank Isola of The Daily News wrote on Sunday. "...The Celtics may have interest in both the 7-foot Asik and Jeremy Lin. (Rockets coach Kevin) McHale is now Houston's head coach and Rockets GM Daryl Morey started his career in the Celtics' front office."
In addition to Morey's past experience with the Celtics, Isola also cited McHale's relationship with Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. McHale and Ainge were former Celtics teammates, and McHale was the general manager of the Timberwolves when Kevin Garnett was traded to Boston.
UPDATE (11/19/13) : Celtics president responds to Knicks, Rockets trade rumors.
There isn't a timetable for Rondo's return from his ACL injury, but he isn't expected on the court before January. Trading for Rondo now while his value is low could net the Rockets their point guard of the future.
Asik, unhappy with being relegated to the bench, reportedly asked last week to be traded. With the "Twin Towers" experiment of playing Asik and Howard together having failed, Asik - a defensive anchor and proven starter - is the Rocket's best trade asset.
Lin has been unable to rekindle "Linsanity" in Houston, but his trade value has seemingly improved after recently stringing together a few well-played games.
One snag could be contracts. While Asik and Lin each make $5.25 million this season, they're both set to make $14.8 million the next.
Ainge has repeatedly said he doesn't intend to trade Rondo, who's expected to be a key piece of the Celtics' rebuilding. Boston also has rookie 7-footer Kelly Olynyk at center, but with proven big men at a premium in the NBA and Kris Humphries' contract expiring in July, passing on Asik may be difficult to do.
