Here’s the latest set of rumors out of the Lone Star state..
- In his newest Insider piece for ESPN, David Thorpe suggests that it would make sense for the Knicks to target Omer Asik, but he notes New York will need to put together a very impressive package for the Rockets to bite on anything. A Houston/New York swap seems a little far fetched since we’ve heard the Rockets are seeking a stretch four, and the Knicks don’t have one to offer.
- One reader asks Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders about the likelihood of a three team deal happening involving the Rockets, Mavericks, and Pistons. In the proposed deal, the Mavs would land Asik, the Rockets would acquire Josh Smith, and the Pistons would obtain Shawn Marion. Greene doesn’t see the deal working since Smith wouldn’t stretch the floor for Dwight Howard, and his expensive contract would be a huge turnoff for Houston.
- Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News writes that a big second half of the season from Monta Ellis could eventually push the Mavericks to become “next-level contenders” next year by allowing the team to attract big name free agents who might not otherwise see Dallas as a team that can compete for a title.