The Rockets say they won’t give in to Omer Asik‘s trade demands, but it’s hard to imagine them keeping the disgruntled center when they can satisfy another need by moving him. Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops suggests three trades involving the defensively-minded center, including a deal that sends Asik and a future first-rounder to 76ers for Thaddeus Young and Kwame Brown. More from around the Association..
- Free agent Lamar Odom is working out with elite trainer Rob McClanaghan in Rhode Island this week, sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter).
- A deal sending Asik to the Pelicans for Ryan Anderson makes sense, opines Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. The Rockets‘ biggest weakness this season has been the play of their power forwards and Anderson would be the type of player that could help them stretch the floor. Meanwhile, pairing Asik with Anthony Davis would give New Orleans one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league.
- David Thorpe of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req’d) explains why Andre Iguodala and the Warriors are a great fit. Golden State likes to play fast and loose, which has helped Iguodala get his groove back.
- Todd Ramasar, an NBA agent who has worked for prominent basketball agents Arn Tellem and Bill Duffy, has opened his own shop and is in talks to merge with another basketball agency, writes Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal. You can keep tabs on everyone’s representation with the Hoops Rumors Agency Database.