Houston Rockets get Center Omer Asik from Chicago Bulls

The Houston Rockets will acquire center Omer Asik as the Chicago Bulls have declined to match the Rockets offer sheet.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Omer,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said in the team’s release confirming their latest acquisition. “I’ve admired his physical style of play over the past two seasons as he’s made the transition to the NBA. In his limited minutes, he has proved himself to be an exceptional defensive post player and we will be working with him to continue his progress. Omer has a great understanding of how to play defense and how to move without the ball and I know he will fit in very well with our needs in the low post.”

The Rockets made Asik one of their priorities this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $25.1 million contract.

The center averaged 3.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and one block in 66 games last season.

The 7-foot Asik joins Jeremy Lin on the Rockets roster as recent off-season acquisitions.