The Houston Rockets received another trade request from their center Omer Asik, but they continue to say 'No.'

Asik has already been wary about his playing time since Dwight Howard was rumored to take an interest in transferring to Houston. He was acquired by the Rockets through free agency when the Chicago Bulls failed to match the "poison pill" contract he was offered.

Since transferring to Houston at the start of the 2012-13 season, Asik has started every game at center, and registered double-double averages (10 points, 11 rebounds per game) and even improved in the playoffs.

The 27 year-old center from Turkey was originally drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2008 draft at 36th overall. His rights were traded as part of a three team deal to the Chicago Bulls who waited two years for his arrival.

At Chicago, he had to play behind Joakim Noah, the French center who is known for his defensive prowess. Noah got injured, and Asik seized the opportunity to display his capabilities as a starter. This attracted the attention of Houston, who upon failing to acquire Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic via trade, used their cap flexibility on Asik and Jeremy Lin.

The Rockets still set their sights on Dwight Howard when he hit free agency last summer, and took advantage of the dismal train wreck of a season that Howard had with the Lakers.

Asik already wanted a trade as he didn't want to be a back-up anymore. Houston appeased him by letting him keep his starting job, but the anticipated spacing problems became a reality and the Rockets are now struggling.

The Houston Chronicle was first to report about the latest trade request. Asik declined to comment and referred to his agent, Andy Miller. He refused to confirm the request and issued this statement: "I would say the situation is very frustrating right now and we're trying to work through it. For Omer, the objective has always been to continue to develop and grow as a player. That's why we came to Houston in the first place. If that objective can't be met, if we can't get the right platform to grow and contribute as a player, it's certainly frustrating."