New York Knicks Reportedly Interested in Omer Asik

The Houston Rockets’ self-imposed deadline to deal disgruntled center Omer Asik is fast-approaching, and with several teams in the race to add the big fella, let’s not discount the always trade-happy Knickerbockers of New York. Per the NY Post: “The Knicks made a foray into the Omer Asik sweepstakes and had discussions with the Rockets and a third team about a three-way swap, an NBA source said. But the source said the Knicks are likely to fall short of obtaining the Houston 7-footer who has asked to be traded. Asik, who makes $5.5 million this season, is an obvious fit as the Knicks are thin and injury-wracked up front with Kenyon Martin and Amar’e Stoudemire both risks, but have a glut of shooting guards. The Knicks are willing to deal Iman Shumpert — whose stock has fallen a bit in recent weeks — and Metta World Peace. J.R. Smith is the lone prominent Knick who can’t be traded until Jan. 15 under a quirk in the collective bargaining agreement.”