Rebuilding Houston Rockets Waive Derrick Favors and Moe Harkless

The rebuilding Houston Rockets are waiving the contracts of veterans Moe Harkless and Derrick Favors.

With their emphasis on a youth movement and roster rebuilding, the Houston Rockets are reportedly waiving small forward Moe Harkless and combo big man Derrick Favors, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Rockets acquired both veterans via an eight-player offseason trade deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but there were speculations by then that Harkless and Favors might be waived or traded elsewhere.

The Rockets needed to make a roster cut to trim their lineup to 15 players, and it was Favors who got the axe. There were initial rumors that Favors might stay, and it will be his fellow veteran Boban Marjanovic who will be released. But Kelly Iko, the Rockets beat reporter for The Athletic, mentioned that the Rockets retained Marjanovic for the morale-boosting presence he provides in the locker room, as well as his ability to “play in certain matchups.”

Derrick Favors, the third overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, is turning 32 next year. With his propensity to defend the two big man positions, along with his excellent rebounding prowess, it’s no question that Favors can be an impactful player in the league. But at this stage of his career, the 13-year veteran might want to play for a contending team instead of staying in a young, rebuilding group. Favors is yet to win an NBA title, so his personal goal right now is possibly geared toward a championship run.

As for Harkless, he could still be a serviceable combo forward for a contender. He has shown the ability to defend multiple positions on the wing, although his inconsistent jump shot is what keeps him from carving his niche in the league. Selected 15th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Harkless has suited up for the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings.