Rockets waive Rafael Castro after August two-way signing

The Houston Rockets waived center Rafael Castro on Thursday, October 1, ending a stint that began with his two-way signing on August 26.

Brett Siegel reported the move earlier Thursday and described it as opening a two-way roster spot. The waiver does not identify a replacement or a new team for Castro.

Why Houston opened the spot

In an October 2 update, reporter Varun Shankar relayed Ime Udoka’s explanation that Houston had an abundance of big men in camp. Udoka also singled out Oscar Tshiebwe’s strong play.

Shankar reported that the Rockets were considering four or five candidates for the vacant two-way spot. That puts the decision in the context of Houston’s camp depth and roster competition; it does not establish that Tshiebwe or any other candidate has received the contract.

A short Houston stint after summer league

Castro played for Milwaukee in both the California Classic and the Las Vegas summer league before joining Houston. When the Rockets signed him in August, they also waived guard Tristen Newton.

His college resume centered on two productive seasons at George Washington after transferring from Providence. Castro started all 63 games he played over those two seasons, averaging 14.6 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 64.4% from the field. He also earned an Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection in each season.

What the waiver process means

Other NBA teams have a 48-hour claim window after the league circulates the waiver notice. A claim transfers the existing contract; an unclaimed contract terminates when the window closes. The public announcement does not establish the precise league-notice time or confirm the outcome. Our NBA waivers guide explains the next steps.

The immediate roster change is Castro’s departure. A subsequent signing or waiver claim would be a separate development, rather than part of this transaction. For background on the contract category Houston used to sign him, see our guide to NBA two-way contracts.