Coby White-to-Houston? Not So Fast-Rockets Reportedly Standing Pat at the Deadline
For a moment, it looked like Coby White might be packing his bags for Houston. The Rockets, short on true point guard depth and eyeing a playoff push, had reportedly been in the mix for the breakout Bulls guard. But now, it seems that door is closing-if it was ever truly open to begin with.
Despite whispers of trade talks involving names like Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason being floated by Chicago, the latest from around the league suggests Houston isn’t as active in those conversations as previously thought. According to league insider Jake Fischer, the Rockets are not currently pursuing a deal for White-or for his Bulls teammate, Ayo Dosunmu, for that matter.
Instead, it sounds like Houston is content to hold its position at the deadline. That’s a notable shift, especially considering the Rockets' recent surge and their clear need for a stabilizing presence in the backcourt.
Let’s be clear: White would’ve made a lot of sense for this team. He’s having a career year in Chicago, putting up 18.5 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting nearly 44% from the field and 35% from three. Those numbers aren’t just solid-they’re the kind of production that could immediately elevate Houston’s guard rotation, especially alongside a young core that includes Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.
White’s value in Houston would’ve gone beyond the box score. As a secondary playmaker, he could’ve taken some of the offensive load off Thompson, allowing the rookie to slide into more of an off-ball role-cutting, slashing, and wreaking havoc in the dunker’s spot, where he’s shown real promise. That dynamic could’ve unlocked a new layer to the Rockets’ offense, particularly in half-court sets.
But for now, that’s all hypothetical.
With the Rockets sitting at 31-17, they’re firmly in the playoff mix and clearly ahead of schedule in their rebuild. But if they’re not going to make a move for White-or any other playmaker-then internal development becomes the name of the game. That means more reps for Thompson, more responsibility for veterans like Fred VanVleet, and perhaps a dip into the buyout market if the right name shakes loose.
The Rockets have been one of the league’s best stories this season, but the Western Conference is deep, and standing pat at the deadline carries risk. Still, if the front office believes in this group’s chemistry and trajectory, they may be betting that continuity-and a healthy dose of in-house growth-can carry them through the second half of the season.
As for White, his future remains in Chicago-for now. And if he keeps producing at this level, he won’t be short on suitors come the offseason.