Pelicans will receive Omer Asik for future 1st round pick

Per Adrian Wojnarowski:

New Orleans will send a future first-round pick to Houston for Asik, league source tells Yahoo Sports. Deal will give Rockets cap space.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014

Undoubtedly, Houston is clearing space, perhaps in hopes of bringing in Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. Asik has one year left on his current deal worth close to 8.4 million but New Orleans will get some cash in return to help pay for the total of around 15 million dollars he's owed (due to the final year balloon payment of his contract).

Rockets will also send New Orleans $1.5 million cash as part of the deal.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 26, 2014

Also, according to Sam Amick, there doesn't appear to be an issue for the Pelicans trading their 1st round pick in back to back seasons.

Regarding New Orleans giving up firsts in two consecutive years, I'm told this deal will happen officially in July. By then, that's legal.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 26, 2014

With next year's salaries already in the high 50 million dollar range, expect Demps to possibly make another move or two. Either way, the Pelicans have now solved a big part of the puzzle. Last season proved the Pelicans needed significant starting upgrades at both center and shooting forward. Stay tuned for further developments and breakdowns of how Asik fits, but initial impressions are good. Going from Greg Stiemsma to Asik? A strong paint presence and an absolute monster on the glass is just what the doctor ordered. And it looks like we won't have to give up Ryan Anderson.