As if to underscore that he would not have any issues flying with the Clippers, Royce White on Monday took a cross-country flight from Los Angeles to Orlando, Fla.

His destination was the location of the NBA summer league, where the free agent forward will get a new start with a team that appears willing to work with him on the social anxiety disorder that has largely derailed his career.

“The Clippers said they wanted to understand what the issues are Royce has so they can try to help him,” White’s agent, Brian Brundage, told The Times on Monday. “Hats off to the Clippers for making this guy feel welcome.”

Brundage was quick to clarify one perception that has dogged his client since even before the Houston Rockets made White the 16th selection in the 2012 NBA draft: He has never told anyone he would not fly; he just wanted to ensure that certain protocols were in place before agreeing to travel.


That never happened with the Rockets, who traded the 6-foot-8 White to the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2013 before he had played in his first NBA game. White made his debut with the Sacramento Kings late in the 2013-14 season, appearing in three games before his second 10-day contract expired and he was not re-signed.

Brundage said White was willing to take a team charter and would require no special accommodations should he sign with another NBA team. The agent expressed hope that team would be the Clippers since they have showed strong interest in helping his client deal with his disorder. Brundage said White had doctor-prescribed medication to deal with any anxiety that arises on flights.

“Royce is a loyal guy,” said Brundage, who noted that his client had interest from four other NBA teams. “We could have 29 other teams coming to us after the summer but we’re going to have some major loyalty to the Clippers.”

Brundage said White could play either small forward or shooting guard, versatility that could help the Clippers as they try to restock their roster on the cheap because of salary cap constraints.


“Someone is going to sign Royce White,” Brundage said, “and we’re for darn sure hoping it’s the Clippers.”