Rockets offered 1st-round pick for Thomas Robinson, according to report

With the Rockets looking to shed enough payroll to offer Howard a max contract, dealing Robinson could be the easiest option. Instead of paying whoever would be drafted, Stein reports Houston has already targeted international prospects who could be stashed in Europe for a year or two.

That would effectively remove Robinson’s $3.53 million salary from Houston’s salary cap, giving the club some extra cash to throw at Howard.

For a player drafted fifth overall in the 2012 draft, it’s surprising to see how far Robinson’s stock has fallen in the past year. Quality players on rookie contracts are usually extremely desirable -- which explains why teams keep showing interest -- but the Kansas product could potentially be on his way to a third franchise in less than 12 months.

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