Houston Rockets Players Not Likely To Return.
By Travis Oquin
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Either could return or one may and one may not. I would be surprised if BOTH are back next season. Their situation is primarily contingent on the Rockets ability to add a 3rd star. Their salaries likely have to be cleared or included in any deal for the 3rd star.
If that star does not come, it is doubtful Lin is moveable without other compensation included due to the 15 million in salary that he is owed for this coming season. With his immense popularity I would assume he would probably return.
Asik may want out either way, although we have to wonder if his stance has changed any based on how much he was used in the playoffs alongside Howard. Asik also played well down the stretch and in the playoffs finally filling the role that I suspect Coach Kevin McHale envisioned initially. We’ve heard nothing from Asik or his camp so far but it would be interesting to know if he’s quite as bent on playing elsewhere this coming season.