Two-way player Danuel House Jr. was by all accounts a diamond in the rough for the Houston Rockets earlier this season. Prior to exhausting his allotment of NBA days, House competed in 25 games, starting in 12 of them as injuries dictated. As the clock wound down, his agents entered contract negotiations with Houston, but arrived at a stalemate that eventually sent him back to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League.
If this stall lasts through the remainder of the season, House will become a restricted free agent this summer. But, if he and the Rockets can come to terms on a deal in time, he can still join the team for its anticipated postseason run, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Houston has an open roster spot, so keep an eye on House. The former starter is now relegated to the G league after using his allowed allotment of days with the Rockets. Houston and agent Raymond Brothers are in a stalemate on a future contract. House can join the Rockets after March 24 (when the G league season ends) but would not be playoff-eligible without being signed to an NBA contract.
House averaged 10.6 points per game while shooting an astounding 48.1 percent from three as a member of the Rockets’ starting lineup. If Houston still has an open roster spot after the trade deadline and decides to convert House’s two-way contract to a traditional NBA deal, he will fill out depth at the wing in a reserve role. Though the Rockets may elect to find a more experienced player via trade or in the buyout market.
