Why Philadelphia 76ers Have Nothing to Lose with Royce White Trade

Oct 17, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Royce White (30) runs up court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Last Friday was headlined with Dwight Howard’s decision between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, but amid all the rumors was the Rockets moving on without Royce White, trading him to the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s a move that’s not completely surprising with all the problems the Rockets had with White, but the 76ers could have gotten a steal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports first reported the former first round pick of just a season ago was headed to the city of brotherly love in anticipation of getting Howard.

"The moves clears White’s $1.7 million contract for next season, giving the Rockets further flexibility to deliver a maximum contract offer to free-agent star Dwight Howard."

Despite Omer Asik not wanting to be there, the Rockets will keep him. With James Harden and the newly-acquired superstar center, it was doubtful that White would receive much playing time anyway.

The move is exactly what the Rockets needed, and it could be what White needed too — a fresh start.

Philadelphia already dealt with someone who never saw the court with Andrew Bynum. Even if White’s anxiety problems are in issue, it’s not like the 76ers are dealt a major loss. Future draft considerations and a little bit of cap space was all that was spent on a potential big steal.

Iowa State Cyclones fans have seen what White can do when he feels comfortable. If the 76ers can give White what he needs and the process is last dramatic than what it was with the Rockets a season ago, we may finally see White do what we’ve all expected.