Kevin McHale Benches Omer Asik vs. Knicks on Same Day as Reported Trade Request

Omer Asik and the Houston Rockets need a divorce before things get really ugly.

On the same day Asik reportedly lodged a trade request (and it was reported the team has no interest in dealing him), the starting center from last season didn't play a single second against the New York Knicks.

Asik didn't get one minute of playing time despite Dwight Howard's struggles throughout the contest.

Greg Smith went down with a knee injury after he was inserted into the game ahead of Asik, and instead of going to Asik, Houston coach Kevin McHale decided to play Terrence Jones—the team's starting power forward—ahead of Asik.

Let's remember for a moment that Asik was a prized free-agent acquisition for the Rockets during the 2012 offseason.

Let's also remember this isn't the first time Asik has asked for a trade, either.

After the Rockets successfully recruited Howard in free agency during the 2013 offseason, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Asik wanted to be moved.

Eleven different members of the Rockets saw at least one second of playing time during the 109-106 win over New York, but Asik couldn't get onto the floor despite the Rockets having an obvious need for his services at times throughout the contest.

One has to think a resolution is coming sooner rather than later, especially because Asik's agent met with general manager Daryl Morey before Thursday's game.

I don't think it's a bold prediction to assume Asik will be wearing a new uniform long before the trade deadline.