Rockets ink Papanikolaou to 2-year deal

The Houston Rockets have struck a deal to bring highly touted European forward Kostas Papanikolaou to the NBA this season, according to sources close to the player.

Papanikolaou's deal, sources said, will pay $4.8 million next season and includes a fully nonguaranteed team option valued at $4.6 million for the 2015-16 season.

The Rockets have held Papanikolaou's draft rights since a trade with Portland in July 2013 featuring former top-5 pick Thomas Robinson.