The Rockets waived Tristan Newton to make room for roster adjustments.

August 29 - The Houston Rockets have waived former University of Connecticut star Tristyn Newton.

Newton signed a two-way contract with the Rockets in January 2026 , and subsequently spent most of his time with the team's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Last season, he averaged 25.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA G League All-NBA First Team for his outstanding performance .

In the Rockets' final regular season game, Newton came off the bench for 12 minutes, scoring 12 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. This was also his last game representing the Rockets.

The 6-foot-5 Newton was selected 49th overall in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He was one of four players selected by the NBA from the University of Connecticut's 2024 NCAA championship roster, but the Pacers waived him in January 2025, and the Timberwolves subsequently claimed him .

Newton previously played for East Carolina University before transferring to the University of Connecticut. In his final season at Connecticut, he averaged over 15 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, earning a spot on the All-American First Team and being named the 2024 NCAA Final Four Player of the Year, helping his team secure a dominant championship victory .

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