NBA Trade Deadline 2014: Rockets won't move Jeremy Lin, report says

Over the past nine months, there have been two players on the top of nearly every trade rumor associated with the Rockets: Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik. Though the latter has drawn more attention as a likely target to get moved, Lin has drawn his fair share of attention because of his status as one of the most popular players in the NBA. Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports fame says that such a move is unlikely, however, noting in his weekly power rankings that they "won't trade reserve Jeremy Lin due to the scoring value he brings."

This should come as no surprise to anyone watching the Rockets this season, because Lin has brought a stabilizing force as a sixth man who can play big minutes behind both Patrick Beverley and James Harden, as well as providing cover to each in times of injury. Aaron Brooks has been hot and cold this year, and as the Rockets gear up for a playoff run, they cannot afford to lose Lin.

Omer Asik's status is more of a mystery. Spears notes the obvious that the Rockets would love to move him, but he too plays an important role on this team and could be even more important come playoff time, especially if the Rockets matchup against a big squad. If the offers they received in December are any indication, it seems unlikely that Asik is packing his bags anytime soon.

The Rockets have a number of extra picks and would certainly like to add a backup wing to the mix, but for the first time in long time, they could be standing pat at the deadline. By Thursday night, we'll know what the playoff roster will look like.

Update: Spears apparently backed off his earlier comment. So, there's that.