Rockets send Omer Asik to Pelicans, prepare for LeBron run

The Rockets agreed to deal center Omer Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans for a first-round pick in the 2015 draft, an individual with knowledge of the deal said, clearing a chunk of the cap room they would need to sign a third major star to go with James Harden and Dwight Howard.

The pick the Rockets will receive is protected if the Pelicans are in the lottery and would choose in the first three picks or if it falls between 20 and the rest of the first round. It would go to the Rockets the first season the Pelicans are slotted to pick between the fourth and 19th picks. The Rockets will also send the Pelicans $1.5 million to complete the trade.