Houston Rockets announced rookie center Rafael Castro signed a two-way contract on Wednesday. The move creates a roster spot after releasing guard Tristen Newton. Castro joins the team ahead of summer league and training camp preparations. Last result: Houston Rockets 78-98 Los Angeles Lakers (2026-05-02). Recent form shows 2W-0D-3L in the last five games (LWWLL, most recent first).
What happened with the roster move?
The Rockets officially signed Rafael Castro to a two-way contract, securing the young center for NBA and G League action. To accommodate the signing, they waived Tristen Newton, who had been on a non-guaranteed deal. Castro played college basketball at a mid-major program and impressed scouts with his defensive timing and rebounding instincts. The front office views him as a project with upside in the paint.
Why did Houston release Tristen Newton?
Newton’s release clears a guaranteed contract spot while minimizing financial impact. He appeared in limited minutes during last season’s final stretch, averaging under five points per game. The Rockets opted to prioritize developmental upside over veteran depth at this stage. Newton will now become a free agent and can sign with any team. The decision aligns with Houston’s long-term rebuild strategy.
What comes next for Rafael Castro?
Castro will report to the Rockets’ summer league roster and attend training camp in October. His two-way deal allows up to 50 games with the NBA team and the rest with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Coaches plan to develop his post moves and pick-and-roll defense. If he earns a standard contract, it would likely come after strong showings in the G League. Fans can track his progress on our [stats](/stats) page.
How does this fit Houston’s current direction?\
The signing reflects Houston’s focus on acquiring young, athletic big men with room to grow. Castro joins a frontcourt that includes Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., creating competition for minutes. The Rockets are 2-3 in their last five games, showing flashes of improvement despite a tough loss to the Lakers in May. Front-line talent remains a priority as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings. Check upcoming games on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
