The Houston Rockets made a roster adjustment on Wednesday, waiving 25-year-old guard Tristen Newton and signing rookie center Rafael Castro to a two-way contract. This move comes ahead of next month's training camp as the team looks to build on a recent form of 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL) and move past their last result, a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, in the NBA playoffs.
What happened with Tristen Newton?
Tristen Newton's time with the Rockets was brief. He initially signed a two-way deal with Houston in January, spending most of his time with the NBA G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Newton played just one game for the Rockets, scoring 12 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 12.
His NBA journey has been a series of short stops. After a five-year college career at East Carolina and UConn, Newton was drafted 49th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2024. He played five games there before being waived. The Minnesota Timberwolves claimed him, but he only appeared in three games. Minnesota waived him before last season's training camp, leading to his G League play and eventual signing with Houston.
Why did the Rockets sign Rafael Castro?
The Rockets waived Newton to create a two-way contract slot for Rafael Castro. The 23-year-old big man officially signed with Houston on Wednesday. Castro reportedly had a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks after going undrafted, but it appears that agreement fell through or was only for Summer League, where he played for the Bucks in Las Vegas.
Castro played college basketball at Providence and George Washington. In his senior season with the George Washington Revolutionaries, he averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. His defensive presence and rebounding likely attracted the Rockets' front office. He now joins Sean Pedulla and Quadir Copeland as the team's two-way players heading into camp.
What is the context of the Rockets' offseason?
This transaction is one of several for a Rockets team seeking answers after a first-round playoff exit. Kevin Durant wasn't fully healthy during the postseason, and the team missed Fred VanVleet all year due to a knee injury. You can track the team's recovery and availability on our [injuries](/injuries) page.
Houston addressed clear needs in free agency this summer. They added shooting and playmaking depth by signing veterans Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic. The team also re-signed key rotation players Tari Eason, Isaiah Crawford and Jae'Sean Tate.
Other moves included trading Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets and letting Josh Okogie sign with the Utah Jazz. The front office has been active in reshaping the roster, aiming for a deeper playoff run. Fans can follow the updated team composition on our [squad](/squad) page.
What comes next for Houston?
Training camp is the immediate next step. The competition for minutes, especially among the two-way players, will be intense. Castro will look to prove he belongs and potentially earn a standard roster spot with strong G League performances.
The Rockets' recent form shows inconsistency, but the new additions aim to stabilize the rotation. The integration of Smart and Bogdanovic will be key for improving perimeter defense and three-point shooting. How quickly this new-look group gels will determine their early-season success. The schedule ahead is challenging, and you can view all upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
For Newton, the search for a new NBA opportunity continues. His ability to score in the G League gives him a chance to catch on with another organization before the season begins.
