NBA Notes: Bulls, Coby White, Magic, Desmond Bane, Rockets

Bulls

It was supposed to be a contract year runway for Coby White. Instead, it’s turned into a stop-and-start season defined by calf issues and caution tape.

White has appeared in just 16 of Chicago’s 34 games, with problems in both calves interrupting any chance at rhythm. The latest setback came Monday against Minnesota, when tightness in his right calf forced another shutdown.

An MRI showed no strain and actually looked better than it did earlier in the season, but the Bulls opted to hit pause anyway, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“It was like a warning shot,” White said, adding that the goal now is simply letting it calm down.

The timing matters. White is headed for free agency, and Cowley notes the frequent absences could impact both his market and Chicago’s leverage if trade talks heat up before the February 5 deadline. White admits it’s frustrating, but says he’s trying to keep perspective.

Magic

Poise is becoming a point of emphasis in Orlando. After another night filled with chatter toward officials, Desmond Bane acknowledged the Magic need to grow up a bit.

“We’ve got to show a little more maturity as a whole,” Bane said, via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, noting the team needs to adjust to how games are being officiated instead of fighting it.

Rockets

Houston is taking a flier on production. The Rockets are signing Tristen Newton to a two-way deal, a league source told NBA insider Jake Fischer, while waiving Tyler Smith to make room.

Newton has been piling up numbers in the G League with Iowa, averaging nearly 27 points and close to eight assists per game. If finalized in time, he’ll be eligible to appear in up to 29 games with Houston this season.