The Rockets are keeping Oscar Tshiebwe and Julian Phillips, converting both players’ training camp contracts to two-way deals, the team announced.
Houston also waived guard Sean Pedulla to create room for both conversions. Tshiebwe and Phillips join Quadir Copeland in the team’s three two-way spots, with 14 players remaining on standard contracts.
The moves settle the roster decisions Houston carried into Monday’s deadline. Jae’Sean Tate and Isaiah Crawford appear set to retain the final two standard spots, while the Rockets are expected to leave the 15th opening unfilled to stay below the luxury tax line.
Tshiebwe gives Houston a proven rebounder who has produced when given minutes. He averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 27 games for the Jazz last season, then finished with averages of 22.5 points and 19.5 rebounds over their final two games.
His G League numbers have been just as notable. In 64 appearances for the Salt Lake City Stars over the past two seasons, Tshiebwe averaged 15.4 points and 17.3 rebounds.
Phillips, who turns 23 next month, gets another opportunity after splitting last season between the Bulls and Timberwolves. The former second-round pick averaged 2.9 points and 1.0 rebound in 48 games, with Minnesota declining his team option over the summer.
Pedulla appeared in seven games for the Clippers as a rookie last season. He will become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday if he clears waivers.
As Hoops Rumors details, Crawford is on track to earn a $1.15 million partial guarantee by making the regular-season roster. Tate’s contract is also partially guaranteed.
Houston sits just $14,000 below the luxury tax threshold, making the decision to carry 14 standard contracts a financially significant one.
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