NBA Trades 2014: Rockets Open To Trade Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, Chandler Parsons, Other Assets For Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony
The Houston Rockets are reportedly ready to trade all their assets, except Dwight Howard and James Harden, for the chance of landing New York Knicks All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony this summer, a source close to situation reported on Tuesday.
The Rockets appears to go all in, as they try to add another star alongside Howard and Harden for next season. According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey would consider trading anything excluded the two superstars.
Therefore, Houston is actually willing to place budding star forward Terrence Jones, Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik on the trading block for a chance to get Anthony.
Kyler stated the plan is to find a taker these players and make enough room to sign Anthony for a $20 million per year deal.
"Houston would trade almost anything not named Dwight Howard and James Harden to get at Anthony and they would go all in on a contract too. There has been talk that Houston has offered up Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin in a "give away" trade that could include their draft pick in the first round or a roster player like Terrence Jones to get those salaries off the books."
"With three teams offering what could be full max contracts, it's hard to imagine Anthony leaving $16-$20 million in total compensation on the table to be a Laker or a Bull, especially when New York is likely offering a fifth year and Dallas and Houston may be offering better fitting rosters."
Borderline All-Star Chandler Parsons is another potential trade bait the Rockets are exploring because the small forward has high value on the trading front. Parson averaged 16.6 points, 4.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game in his third season with the Rockets. However, he's about to hit free-agency (restricted) at the end of the 2014-15 season, and many free-spending contenders are willing to go max for the serviceable swingman.
Anthony, on the other hand, had another prolific year after averaging 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Despite meeting up with new Knicks president Phil Jackson in several occasions, the Knicks star hasn't committed yet if he would stay or leave the Big Apple this offseason.