Overview
- The Rockets sent Whitmore to Washington on July 5 in exchange for 2026 and 2029 second-round draft picks, confirming earlier reports by ESPN’s Shams Charania and The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.
- Offseason additions of Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith shifted Houston’s focus toward proven wings and limited Whitmore’s rotation opportunities.
- Selected 20th overall in 2023, Whitmore’s scoring average fell from 12.3 points as a rookie to 9.4 points in 2024–25 as his minutes declined.
- Whitmore publicly voiced frustration in January after an 18-point performance, lamenting that strong showings “can’t get me nowhere.”
- The move brings the Baltimore native back to the D.C. area and offers a chance to secure a larger role on a young Wizards roster prioritizing player development.