NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics Close To Deal For Omer Asik, But 76ers Still In Play

The Houston Rockets previously said that they will trade disgruntled center Omer Asik on or before Dec. 19th and the Rockets look set to fulfill their self-imposed deadline.

ESPN reported that the Rockets are still weighing their options, but the Boston Celtics will likely be the destination of Asik, who has been one of the biggest subjects of trade rumors since the 2013-14 NBA season started.

The Boston Herald reported that the Celtics offered veteran power forward Brandon Bass, shooting guard Courtney Lee, and a protected future first-round pick for Asik, but the Rockets are still waiting for other options before finally dealing the 27-year-old center.

According to reports, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey initially turned down the Celtics' offer because of the protected first round pick.

The Celtics and the Rockets have not discussed which of the first round picks Boston has will be included in the deal or how well-protected that pick will be.

But a Boston Herald source believe that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge will eventually give into Morey's demand for the pick to  be included in the deal, knowing that Asik could play a big role in the Celtics' future.

"I can see where the thing with Boston makes sense for (the Celtics). Lee and Bass are good, but they're complementary guys. And if the first-round pick is protected, what do (the Celtics) have to lose? But Daryl (Morey) didn't go for that before, and I don't see how he changes on that. Asik has to be a more important asset than that," the Boston Herald source said.

While the Celtics are considered as the frontrunner for Asik, the Rockets are also considering trading the 7-foot-center from Turkey to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers have expressed interest in Asik, but they appear reluctant in giving too much for the defensive-minded center. The Rockets reportedly asked for veteran center Spencer Hawes and a future first round pick, but the 76ers have yet to decide whether or not to pay that price for Asik.

Aside from the Celtics and the 76ers, the Rockets previously talked to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks, but no deal was reached. The Portland Trail Blazers also reportedly tried to lure Asik from Houston, but eventually backed off, fearing that the deal might ruin the current chemistry of their 22-5 team.