Report: Omri Casspi expected to be released by New Orleans Pelicans

Swingman Omri Casspi is expected to be released by the New Orleans Pelicans after being acquired in the Omer Asik trade, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein. 

The trade delivered Asik and Casspi to the Pelicans, while the Rockets got a protected first-round pick, guard Scotty Hopson and Alonzo Gee. As part of the same trade, the Rockets also received forward Trevor Ariza in a sign-and-trade with the Washington Wizards, who got center Melvin Ely and a $8.5 million trade exception. 

Casspi was thrown into the trade as the Rockets tried to clear space in order to offer a max deal to Chris Bosh, who ended up re-signing in Miami on a 5-year, $118 million deal. If Casspi is waived by the Pelicans, he will be free to sign with any team. 

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Last season Casspi averaged 6.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 34.7 percent three-point shooting. The 26-year-old has played for Sacramento, Cleveland and Houston in his five-year career. 

- Alex Hampl