For the NBA team New Orleans Pelicans, even matching the last season's performance record (30-52) looks a distant dream at the moment. The disappointing show in the current season may see them trading some of their veterans.
With a disastrous beginning with eight consecutive losses despite Anthony Davis's heroics, the Pelicans now are languishing at the 13th position in the Western Conference with a dismal record of 8-18. The utter disappointment caused by Alvin Gentry's men could see the Pelicans parting ways with Omer Asik, the seven-foot center before the trade guideline arrives.
According to a CSNNE report, league sources has said that Asik, the "rim-protecting big man" has not nearly as effective as he was for the Chicago Bulls (2012-14). NBA trade rumors swirl now that he is "very much available".
Asik re-signed with the Pelicans for a five-year contract worth around $58 million in July 2015. But his average has been just 3.3 points, 6 rebounds and 0.4 blocks a game in the current season.
There is a demand for good interior defenders in the NBA but Asif's ordinary record might not seem attractive to many teams. Also, they might even be worried over who the Pelicans might eye in lieu of the player, said an NESN report.
Pelican Debrief's Rick Stone believes the Pelicans need a player with offensive capacity to back their star Davis and Asik has been not up to the mark in that aspect. But the Pelicans might also face a problem in trading Asik because of the contract. The man still has four years of his deal left. The amount of money he is supposed to make each year for the rest of his contract is abound to hurt the Pelicans' pocket.
So, what's the way out? Reports on the latest NBA trade rumors said a team like Boston Celtics were having an interest in Asik but they seem to take a "wait-and-see" approach as of now.
