Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Rockets have added center Omer Asik after
the Chicago Bulls decided not to match Houston's offer sheet for the
restricted free agent.
The Rockets offered Asik a three-year deal around $25 million.
Asik averaged 3.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and one block in 66 games for the Bulls
last season.
The 7-foot Asik was a member of the silver-medal-winning Turkish squad at the
2010 FIBA World Championships.
"We are excited to add Omer to our roster," said rockets General Manager Daryl
Morey. "Omer has proven to be a defensive force at every stop in his career --
in the Turkish league, in FIBA's World Championships and EuroBasket
competitions, and of course for the past two years for the Chicago Bulls. We
are excited to add his rim protection, his rebounding, and the defensive
mentality Omer brings to each play."
Asik averaged 2.9 points and 4.4 rebounds over 148 career games with Chicago.
"We have decided not to match Houston's offer sheet for restricted free agent
Omer Asik," said Bulls general manager Gar Forman. "It was a difficult
decision because Omer did a nice job for us. Matching the offer for Omer could
have put us in a difficult position going forward in trying to acquire high
level talent. We wish Omer good luck and continued success."
The Rockets also waived guard E'Twaun Moore.
The Sports Network