Report: Sixers 'a viable destination for Asik'

Trade rumors involving the 76ers acquiring Houston Rockets center Omer Asik are apparently still alive.

According to an ESPN.com report, the Rockets are telling teams they intend to trade the frustrated 7-footer between Dec. 15-19.  The website believes the Sixers are "a viable destination for Asik."

The website mentioned Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie's relationship with Asik and that Sixers power forward Thaddeus Young could mesh well with Dwight Howard.

Sam Hinkie was an executive with Houston for the last eight seasons. Last summer, the Rockets signed Asik to a three-year, $25.1 million deal when he was a restricted free agent with the Chicago Bulls.

Meanwhile, Young's versatility could be attractive for the Rockets. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder averages 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals. Young is also shooting 37.8 percent on three-point attempts (14-for-37).

Asik, a native of Turkey, is averaging 10.6 points and 6.8 rebounds.

This isn't the first time he was linked to the Sixers in a trade rumor.

CBSSports.com reported in July the franchise could acquire him while the Rockets were  pursuing Howard.

- Keith Pompey

Follow and contact Inquirer 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers