NBA Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans Place Omer Asik On Trading Block — Where Will He Land?

Is it safe to add another frontcourt player on the NBA trading block? Omer Asik of the New Orleans Pelicans could be available. If the Pelicans can find an offer they like, it is believed that they will trade the Turkish center.

Are the Pelicans looking into dealing Asik? And if so, which teams could be interested?

So far, Asik has not been a good fit with the New Orleans Pelicans. This is despite him playing alongside one of the NBA’s best young talents in Anthony Davis. Asik was added to bring some interior toughness and protection for Davis. He has obliged during some spurts, while being disappointing in others.

It is the disappointing times that may have led up to the reports that the Pelicans could be looking to ship Omer Asik out of New Orleans.

CSN New England’s A. Sherrod Blakely has suggested that the Pelicans are eager to complete an Omer Asik trade. He lists the Boston Celtics as one of the teams that could have some interest, except they will wait and see how Asik’s market unfolds.

It is believed that the Celtics have a preference to acquire a star player. Asik is a solid defender and rim protector. He is not a star.

“[Boston Celtics’ general manager] Danny [Ainge] has enough good players. He’s looking for a star, or at least someone who is trending in that direction. It makes sense. Look at that team now. That’s the only thing they’re missing, really.”

That may have eliminated the Celtics from the discussion, for now at least. Adding Asik from the Pelicans would be a minor move made by the Celtics in an effort to bring in a rim protector. Until they determine exactly what deals they want to make in an effort to get a star, the Celtics will remain idle.

The Portland Trailblazers present an interesting possibility as a landing spot for Omer Asik. Assets are plentiful for the Trailblazers, which may also be in on the talks to acquire Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers.

There are some NBA rumors regarding the information that interested teams are not including rave reviews (courtesy of CSN Philadelphia) when it comes to the center. That could scare off a few teams. Those interested parties which may look the other way could look at the Pelicans’ Asik as a realistic possibility.

Omer Asik: Throwing a no-look pass? Or about to get hit by a pass while he laughs about last night's Big Bang Theory? You be the judge… pic.twitter.com/HpZzyc5k3X

— The Step Back (@The_Step_Back) December 14, 2016

Nerlens Noel may be the prize of the NBA trade block, but the Philadelphia 76ers’ asking price is high. If it were not Noel would already be playing elsewhere. The 76ers want a lot, but on the other hand the New Orleans Pelicans are offering a player with a similar skill set, for a lower fee.

The Pelicans could be happy with receiving a future draft pick and a fringe rotation player for Omer Asik. As of now the Pelicans are on the hook for the four years remaining on his contract, with just less than $48 million owed, according to Sportrac. That can up a deal for the Pelicans, unless they lower their demands.

The Boston Celtics will wait before they do anything.

The Portland Trailblazers are a good team for the Pelicans to make a deal with. They could get involved in negotiations regardless if they go after Nerlens Noel or not.

It would not be surprising if the Minnesota Timberwolves place a call to the New Orleans Pelicans. ESPN Twin Cities is reporting that the Timberwolves are looking into acquiring some help in the frontcourt. Omer Asik has played for Timberwolves’ head coach Tom Thibodeau before. That is an ideal landing spot.

A trade between the Pelicans and Timberwolves could involve Shabazz Muhammad or Adreian Payne going back to New Orleans. To make the salaries match, the Timberwolves could throw in the contract of Nikola Pekovic. There are other possible destinations for Omer Asik, including the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and Toronto Raptors. The one team that stands out are the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Will the Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans make a deal?

[Featured Image by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]