With the Omer Asik sweepstakes coming to an end soon, I wanted to break down the 4 options the 76ers have if they decide to get involved. Trading Thad Young straight up for Asik may not make a lot of sense to Philadelphia fans, but that is not their only option.
Nov 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Dwight Howard (12) and center Omer Asik (3) on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Option 1: perform a three team trade
Pro’s
Three teams that could use a starting caliber defensive center have prospects that could interest the 76ers.
– The Oklahoma City Thunder have a Jeremy Lamb and Steven Adams
– The Dallas Mavericks with it J Crowder and Ricky Ledo
– The Houston Rockets with Thomas Robinson, Meyers Leonard, CJ McCollum, and Allen Crabbe.
Con’s
A three team deal decreases the 76ers flexibility and will likely require taking on a bad contract in return. Also, any trade would happen on the Houston Rockets timetable, limiting the 76ers ability to negotiate.
Option 2: trade him away at the trade deadline
Pro’s
Because of the poor fit playing alongside Dwight Howard, Omer Asik’s value has never been lower. Not only has his play suffered, but he has displayed a difficult attitude. By playing in a 76ers offense that resembles Houston’s from last year, Asik can rehabilitate both his game and his image to increase his trade value down the line.
Con’s
There are no guarantees in this business. A team that wants him now may not still want him when February rolls around. An injury could also decimate his value.
Option 3: trade him away next year
Pro’s
Next year Asik will represent an $8.3 million expiring contract. He could provide value and flexibility to a veteran team.
Con’s
Asik’s unorthodox contract means that even though his cap hit is only $8.3 million next year, his team will have to pay him almost $15 million. Very few teams in the league will be willing to pay a player $7 million more than he’s worth. He will also be a year older. He’s more valuable this year.
Option 4: keep him
Pro’s
Last year, as the starting center, Asik was a very valuable player. While his PER of 14.9 was just below average, this doesn’t account for his defensive value. A more comprehensive stat like WP48 shows he was responsible for 8.7 of Houston’s wins last year, 3rd on the team behind James Harden and Chandler Parsons. His defense would be huge for the Sixers, who are one of the league’s worst defensive teams.
Con’s
Omer Asik is 27 years old, two years older than Thad Young. By the time this team is ready to win, Asik will be in his 30’s and on the decline. He would also improve the team too much in the short term, helping them win games they don’t want to win right now.
Verdict
Omer Asik is more valuable to a team that wants to win immediately than he is on a rebuilding team. That’s why performing a 3 team trade right now is the best option for the Sixers. I could also support keeping him until the trade deadline to try to increase his value, but anything beyond then would be a mistake.
Of course, none of this might matter anyway. Rumors have the Rocket’s asking for Young and a first round pick, and there’s no way the Sixers are willing to do that.
What do you think? Which option would you prefer? Let us know down in the comments section.