The Rockets on Wednesday as expected picked up the option on the second year of Kostas Papanikolaou’s contract, a person with knowledge of the decision said.
Papanikolaou averaged 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds as a rookie, but had been a part of the Rockets rotation as a power forward before he went out with a sprained ankle.
Papanikolaou's contract is fully non-guaranteed with a decision on that deal not due until October 4th, which makes him an attractive trade candidate.