The Houston Rockets are waiving second-year forward Gary Clark and appear to have plans to use the subsequently open roster spot, according to media reports on Tuesday afternoon.
Known best for his defense, Clark played in 69 games over the last two seasons, averaging 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes.
Tuesday effectively served as the deadline for NBA teams to decide whether to keep players on partially guaranteed deals for the full season or to waive them, which can save money and free up a roster spot. Clark was one of three Rockets without fully guaranteed contracts, alongside swingman Ben McLemore and third-year center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Rockets to waive forward Gary Clark, a person with knowledge of the move said. Team wanted flexibility to consider options with the roster spot, which could include offer to bring back Clark, though decision has not been made.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 7, 2020
Contracts for the below players will become guaranteed today (5PM EST):
BOS: Ja. Green
CHA: Ca. Martin and J. McDaniels
CHI: S. Harrison
DET: C. Wood
HOU: B. McLemore, G. Clark and I. Hartenstein
LAC: D. Walton Jr.
LAL: D. Howard
MEM: B. Caboclo— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 7, 2020
In contrast to McLemore and Hartenstein, who appear to have had their contracts guaranteed, Clark did not have an clear role in Mike D’Antoni‘s rotation moving forward — which made him more expendable.
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On paper, the financial savings could be especially lucrative to teams with expensive rosters like the Rockets, owing to potential luxury tax payments. Entering Tuesday, Houston had the league’s No. 2 roster in total payroll, as calculated by HoopsHype.
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However, according to Jonathan Feigen, the decision may not entirely be financially motivated. Per the Houston Chronicle beat writer, who cited a team source, the Rockets want flexibility with their 15th and final roster spot and could even decide to bring Clark back at a later date.
In his story on the move, Feigen says the expectation is for the Rockets to use that spot on an NBA-ready contributor, rather than leaving it unused or awarded to a cheaper developmental prospect.
The Rockets had determined they would try to add a player considered NBA-ready, rather than using the spot to evaluate a developmental prospect as they have in past seasons.
Rockets waive Gary Clark before contract is guaranteed, to consider options to fill roster spot https://t.co/iEOaws8smF via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 7, 2020
Houston’s roster expanded to the 15-player maximum once rookie guard Chris Clemons was converted to a standard NBA contract in December.
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It appears that Clark could be a fallback plan for that final roster spot if other pursuits don’t pan out. That fallback plan would be thwarted if Clark is claimed on waivers or subsequently signed by another team, but the Rockets and GM Daryl Morey seem to believe it’s worth the risk.
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According to a source close to the team, the Rockets like Clark but the contract was not an ideal fit and they are confident they can make an impact with that spot, especially as buyout season approaches. It's unlikely but possible that Clark returns on a different contract.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 7, 2020