After agreeing to send Thomas Robinson to the Trail Blazers, the Rockets have had discussions about trading another one of last year's first-round picks, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. Feigen reports that Houston is considering trading Royce White, who will not participate in Summer League play with the club.
White, 22, was perhaps last season's most-discussed rookie, despite not appearing in a single NBA game. His much-publicized anxiety disorder kept him from traveling with the team, as the two sides attempted to work out an agreement that was amenable to all involved parties. White, who is currently communicating with the Rockets through the Players' Association, ended up appearing in 16 games with the team's D-League affiliate, averaging 11.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
While White doesn't have a whole lot of trade value at this point, only his 2013/14 salary ($1.72MM) is guaranteed, so he's certainly not on a bad contract. His rookie deal includes team options for the following two seasons, with a decision on the '14/15 option due this fall. Feigen points out that a team interested in taking on White could potentially also acquire a second-round pick or two from the Rockets for their troubles, while avoiding taking on any long-term salary.
Feigen also writes that if the Rockets are able to secure a commitment from Dwight Howard, the team's focus will shift from developing prospects like White to acquiring veteran talent. So if Howard decides to come to Houston, it may signal the end of White's stint with the team.