I've always liked Nick Van Exel. Back to his Laker days. I still cringe when I remember reports of the Knicks turning down a Van Exel for Childs deal maybe a year after Childs signed his big contract. Van Exel was on the outs with the Laker org. because of his bad attitude.
I'm not sure how many good years he has left in him, so I wouldn't give up Allan for him at all. Remember, Houston can't be traded this year unless it involves a team with some cap space to compensate for his BYC value. Wouldn't mind trading Ward and Othella for him though.
I don't think Ward and Othella are enough to get nick the quick. How old is nick now anyway, 30?