You think that's why a trade didnt happen? Because Morey realized that he's too important? Or rather, that Morey didnt like the offers?
GM's don't want to be forced into anything. Ask for the world and if you don't get it say "we tried". He's a great luxury to have.
Morey was only half-trying, all along secretly hoping that no good offer would come along so that in the end he could say to his backup center: "Omer...I tried my best; however, the Heat simply did not want to give up Lebron for you. (Morey s******s off to the side). I guess you're stuck with us, buddy".
Given that Morey asked for Illyasova, a guy who Bucks fans openly speak of as one of their tank-masters, and Millsap, who only got $9mil/yr on the FA market just this past season, I'm pretty sure he was willing to settle for much less than the world. Morey was willing to simply flip Asik for an above average starter who could be a core piece for a championship team. Instead he got Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee.
It sets a bad precedent (and is a sign of weakness, too) that, whenever a player makes known he is not happy about his playing time, the general manager rushes to meet his request and begins manning the phones in an effort to exchange him. A general manager's job is not to grant wishes like a genie; it's to do what's best for the team. Say Asik got his wish; next thing you know DMo would go public to say when and where he would pleeeeease like to be traded; and then, Brooks, and then whomever else. Morey will make a trade for Asik if and when he thinks that trade ought to be made, not in response to the whining and wishes of a player. He's showing Asik who's boss; and is also doing what is best to help the Rockets win. Gotta respect that.
There were several reports of anonymous execs saying Morey was asking too much. Didn't one say "delusional"? What really went on we'll never know.
Time for Asik to put his big boy pants on, play to the best of his ability in Houston for a few more months, and earn the millions of dollars he's being paid to play basketball. I'm not surprised we couldn't move him yet. We simply don't have leverage to get equal value back this far ahead of the deadline. There will be teams willing to part with more come March. Morey is being patient, as is typical, and will hold out for something that's better for the franchise. He's not going to trade an asset for players he likely wouldn't sign for minimums in free agency.
this is one of those so-called team first fans, who are either too arrogant, selfish or short sighted. for a player like Asik, the win-win situation is to care about his career development, so that the TEAM can sustainably benefit from such a player. The optimal situation is everyone generally likes to play with each other. It is up to the coach staff and luck of the team whether things ever get to the optimal phase. The idea that rest of the team should just yield to the "superstars" will never help building a real championship team.
Morey asking for a pick in a Thad Young deal isn't absurd either. Thad's contract isn't good. He is a talented player, but he is owed 19 million over the next 2 seasons. Thad and Hawes for Asik, D-Mo, and Greg Smith would be fair imo. But I think if we trade for Thad then that means Parsons is gone after next season.
Thank you. Seriously, it's been a mess start to finish. He was a good signing, but why make him a promise when you know you have D. Howard in your sights a year later? That's just set up this whole **** show.
/\ You don't think Asik is being selfish with all his whining and self-pity and half-efforts? I mean, it's not like the Houston Rockets are torturing the guy! All the Rockets players like Asik, and want him to stay. The fans support him. The Rockets NEED a backup center more than they need most anything else at this point. No player will ever be 100% happy with the situation that they are in and no one ever gets everything they want. Asik needs to grow up; and probably Morey presumes that Asik will be big-boy enough to eventually accept his role. It's called "adaptability," and it does happen.
We don't know that Asik would have signed here without that promise, and without Asik playing for us last year, it's entirely possible that we don't get Dwight this year. We likely would not have made the playoffs without Asik last year.