A trade request from Omer Asik has been denied by the Houston Rockets, according to reports.

Asik has found it difficult to secure minutes on the court this season following the arrival of Dwight Howard, who has impressed in the early stages of his Rockets career.

The 27-year-old was also keen on leaving in the summer shortly after the deal to bring Howard to the Toyota Center was agreed.

That move was blocked by Houston but Asik has once again made it clear that he would prefer to be traded, ESPN reports.

Asik joined the Rockets in 2012 following a two-year spell with the Chicago Bulls.