The Rockets have been engaged in trade discussions this week involving Cam Whitmore, sources tell Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link), who describes the situation as “fluid.”
The 20-year-old small forward has seen limited playing time during his first two NBA seasons and has been unable to claim a regular role amidst Houston’s collection of young talent. He appeared in 51 games this season, averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 16.2 minutes per night with .444/.355/.750 shooting numbers. He was out of the rotation completely in the playoffs, making just three brief appearances.
The Rockets were surprised to land Whitmore with their second pick in the 2023 draft when he slipped to 20th after once being considered a top-five prospect. Concerns about his defense and focus caused several teams to pass on him, and those questions have persisted during his time in the NBA.
Iko reported earlier this month that the Rockets had received trade inquiries about Whitmore, but added that management remains optimistic about his future and that neither he or his representatives have asked to be moved. However, that was before the team agreed to the Kevin Durant trade, which may create fewer developmental opportunities for Whitmore as Houston looks to take another step toward title contention.
Appearing Thursday on Get Up, ESPN’s Shams Charania speculated that Whitmore could have significant value as a trade asset (YouTube link; hat tip to Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire).
“Cam Whitmore is a young player with talent that has gotten interest around the league,” Charania said. “That’s someone that if you’re the Rockets, you could potentially move him for draft capital or a player that can help you now. If they are going to go into free agency or look into trades, I think a player that’s kind of the ilk of a Dillon Brooks, a wing-type player that can shore up that spot, that could be of interest for the Rockets.”
Whitmore may see an expanded opportunity for playing time if he doesn’t get dealt, depending on what the Rockets do in free agency. They’re sending two wing players to Phoenix in Brooks and Jalen Green, and Whitmore has already played two years in coach Ime Udoka’s system.
Whitmore has a $5.5MM option for 2026/27 that Houston or his new team will have to pick up before the start of next season. He will be eligible for an extension on his rookie-scale contract next summer.
DUBS FANS: None of this “Ok, now I’m DEFINITELY wondering about Cam Whitmore’s availability” or “oh hey, maybe we can get Melton back” bologna. Dream BIG, Dubs fans! It’s the only way to go! It’s still JUNE, for crying out loud(!) – like Senior LeBron James enjoys doing. Dream…BIG, Dubs fans!!
I don’t care what happens as long as GSW gets bigger. SGA is a 6’6″ PG, we can’t put 6’1″ guys on him and expect to win.
who is saying that is a warrior fan? I don’t see the warriors trading for him because they need to match money and they have nobody that makes that much. He is a back up bench player but some team will trade for him. the warriors has nobody making that type of money on the trade market so he is not going to the warriors.
C’mon Leon, go get him
Can’t tell if you’re serious or not, but I’m a Knicks fan that loves Whitmore and would love to have him. Probably would cost too much to acquire him though.
He’s just another cam reddish, talented but inconsistent
I’m serious.
NYK: Whitmore
WAS: Dadiet
HOU: second round picks from WAS and NYK
My theory is the Wiz like raw French guys.
Could use the protected WAS first we have in some way, it has more value to them than anyone else. It’s too much to give up along with Dadiet for Whitmore but if we come away with different draft compensation that would work
The Rockets are not taking two 2nd round picks for Whitmore.
You’re probably right. Knicks can send WAS their pick back along with Dadiet and pry loose some more draft goodies for HOU. The Wiz have a grab bag of picks with weird conditions, shouldn’t be hard to find the right combo to make the deal work
i don’t know many people who know people but i happen to know someone who knows people close to the rockets and evidently whitmore is a big a**hole fwiw. he’s a young guy so maybe he’ll grow up but just saying buyer beware — he can definitely hoop but there is a reason he’s available
Still can’t believe the Suns didn’t get either him or Sheppard in the deal. Not only giving up Durant but taking on Greens horrible contract should’ve definitely gotten them Whitmore at least
This guy was really good….in high school.
I wouldn’t touch him. But it wouldn’t surprise me if a tanking team offered up a couple of SRPs to get him. It will likely take years before he can help the cause of winning (if he ever can), and he has only 2 more left on his RSC.