NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Around the League After Dwight Howard Deal

Unlike any other professional sport league, the NBA offseason can be shaped by the decisions of a few superstar players. After Dwight Howard's decision to join the Houston Rockets, more than a few players and teams have made waves. Let's take a look at what is buzzing around the NBA rumor mill after the Howard saga.

Omer Asik Reportedly Wants Out of Houston

Rockets center Omer Asik watched his role with his team go from starter to bench player in an instant. ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst reports Asik is unhappy with this demotion; so unhappy he wants out of his contract.

Windhorst is reporting that a source close to Asik told ESPN.com that the center has "no interest in being Howard's backup or playing next to him." 

In his first season in Houston, Asik averaged just over 10 points and a little over 11 blocks per game. The Rockets were the first team to give the three-year veteran a starting job and he rewarded them with career-best numbers.

It is unclear if Houston has any plans to trade or cut Asik just yet, but the team is likely to move the big man.

Denver Nuggets Might Want Monta Ellis

The Nuggets just watched Andre Iguodala leave for Golden State but they aren't wasting time trying to replace him. Shams Charania of RealGM.com is reporting that Denver is interested in Ellis, who opted out of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks to test free agency.

Ellis spent the first six years of his career with the team Iguodala now plays for before being traded to Milwaukee during the 2011-2012 season. In his first full season as a Buck, he averaged 19.2 points per game along with six assists.

Considering this is his first taste of the free agency waters, Ellis might take some time to choose where he wants to take his talents. With Howard and now Josh Smith off the market, Ellis is one of the biggest names still available in free agency. Don't think he doesn't know that, either. 

Pau Gasol to Stay with Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers obviously lost out on retaining Howard's services but they won't be parting ways with Pau Gasol. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles is reporting that there will be "no talk or discussion of using the amnesty provision on [Gasol] anymore."

Without Howard on the roster, Gasol could go back to averaging around 17-18 points per game like he did from 2008-2012.

Last year, the veteran power forward averaged just over 13 points per game, his lowest of his career. Injury caused Gasol to play in the fewest games of his career last year.

The Lakers might have some holes to fill with Howard gone, but they are seemingly content with keeping Gasol in the fold.