Rockets to sign versatile ex-Bucks draft pick, cut ties with star G-League scorer
The Houston Rockets, currently surging through the Western Conference with a commanding 13-5 record, are proving that a winning culture requires constant roster maintenance. Despite their strong start to the 2025-26 campaign, the front office executed a calculated move on Tuesday to refresh their developmental pipeline. The team is reportedly signing former Milwaukee Bucks draft pick Tyler Smith to a two-way contract, injecting youth and size into their system while parting ways with a proven G-League commodity.
Smith, selected 33rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, arrives in Houston as an intriguing reclamation project. The 6-foot-9 forward struggled to find a consistent role in Milwaukee’s rotation but flashed significant potential in limited minutes. During his 23 appearances for the Bucks earlier this season, Smith demonstrated a polished perimeter game, knocking down a blistering 43.3% of his three-point attempts. His profile as a versatile "stretch-four" with the athleticism to put the ball on the floor makes him a tantalizing prospect for a Rockets staff looking to cultivate long-term frontcourt depth behind stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün.
However, the acquisition comes at a cost. To clear the necessary two-way slot, Houston waived Kevon Harris, a decision that likely wasn't made lightly. Harris had been a dominant force for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' G-League affiliate. The 28-year-old was averaging an impressive 19.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, serving as the Vipers' offensive engine during the Tip-Off Tournament.
Ultimately, this transaction highlights the Rockets' strategic shift toward maximizing upside. The move underscores the delicate balancing act of managing a two-way roster: weighing the value of a veteran who helps the affiliate win now versus a raw prospect who could impact the NBA club later. While Harris offered immediate production, Smith represents a higher-ceiling investment for the future. By prioritizing a 21-year-old recent draft pick, Houston is betting that their renowned player development program can mold Smith into a legitimate NBA rotation piece. Smith is expected to join the Vipers immediately, where he will have ample opportunity to refine his defensive game.
Smith, selected 33rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, arrives in Houston as an intriguing reclamation project. The 6-foot-9 forward struggled to find a consistent role in Milwaukee’s rotation but flashed significant potential in limited minutes. During his 23 appearances for the Bucks earlier this season, Smith demonstrated a polished perimeter game, knocking down a blistering 43.3% of his three-point attempts. His profile as a versatile "stretch-four" with the athleticism to put the ball on the floor makes him a tantalizing prospect for a Rockets staff looking to cultivate long-term frontcourt depth behind stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün.
However, the acquisition comes at a cost. To clear the necessary two-way slot, Houston waived Kevon Harris, a decision that likely wasn't made lightly. Harris had been a dominant force for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' G-League affiliate. The 28-year-old was averaging an impressive 19.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, serving as the Vipers' offensive engine during the Tip-Off Tournament.
Ultimately, this transaction highlights the Rockets' strategic shift toward maximizing upside. The move underscores the delicate balancing act of managing a two-way roster: weighing the value of a veteran who helps the affiliate win now versus a raw prospect who could impact the NBA club later. While Harris offered immediate production, Smith represents a higher-ceiling investment for the future. By prioritizing a 21-year-old recent draft pick, Houston is betting that their renowned player development program can mold Smith into a legitimate NBA rotation piece. Smith is expected to join the Vipers immediately, where he will have ample opportunity to refine his defensive game.
