The Houston Rockets' long anticipated trade of Omer Asik to New Orleans has expanded to become a three-team trade involving Washington and Trevor Ariza, according to sources close to the process.
The trade calls for the Pelicans to receive Asik, Rockets swingman Omri Casspi and $1.5 million in cash from Houston.
The Rockets, meanwhile, will get Ariza and his new four-year, $32 million deal, Pelicans guards Alonzo Gee and Scotty Hopson (and their unguaranteed contracts) as well as New Orleans' protected first-round pick in 2015.
Washington is only required to take back the unguaranteed contract of Melvin Ely from New Orleans while creating an $8.5 million trade exception through Ariza's exit.