Omer Asik expressed his willingness to continue helping the Houston Rockets win games amid the trade rumor surrounding him, but finishing the season without being traded is still highly unlikely.

According to the New York Daily News, Houston is continuously exploring their options and gauging the interest of several teams on Asik, who asked for a trade when Dwight Howard decided to sign with the Rockets.

The Portland Trail Blazers, who are having one of their best starts in several years, are reportedly interested in trading for the 27-year-old center and has already started negotiating with the Rockets.

"The Trail Blazers are off to one of their best starts in years, but they're not kidding themselves. They know they've taken advantage of a pillow-soft schedule and have surprised themselves with their shooting (45%). So they're quietly looking to improve, talking to the Rockets about trading for Omer Asik," Mitch Lawrence wrote in his NY Daily News report.

The Trail Blazers could package improving center Robin Lopez in the deal, but Portland doesn't have the "stretch four" the Rockets are looking for to maximize the inside presence of Howard.

"They can send back Robin Lopez in a deal, but don't have the "stretch four'' the Houston is looking for as it searches for a home for its disgruntled backup center. The Rockets want a power forward who can shoot threes to pair next to Dwight Howard," Lawrence added.

Aside from the Trail Blazers, the Dallas Mavericks are also interested in trading for the fourth-year center.

According to Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld, the Mavericks offered rookie Shane Larkin and veteran forward Shawn Marion for Asik, but the Rockets turned down the offer.

"Rumor today has Omer Asik coming to Dallas for Larkin, Marion. Rockets asking a lot more than that ... reportedly," Ingram post on his Twitter account.

Asik averaged 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds in 82 starts last season, but his production dropped to 4.3 points and 6.8 rebounds this season due to limited playing time.