Report: Rockets Waive Second-Year Forward Gary Clark

Clark averaged 3.9 points and 11.8 minutes per game in 2019-20

The Rockets released second-year forward Gary Clark on Tuesday, the team announced. 

Clark would have his $1.4 million contract guaranteed if he was not waived by Tuesday. The Rockets now have an open roster spot that can be filled either via trade or the buyout market.

The Cincinnati product logged 18 games with the Rockets in 2019-20. Clark averaged 11.8 minutes and 3.9 points per game, scoring a season high 12 points in a win over the Heat on Nov. 27. He has not played in two of the Rockets' last four games. 

Houston guaranteed the contracts of two players on Tuesday. Second-year center Isaiah Hartenstein had his $1.4 million deal guaranteed after seizing the Rockets' backup center role, and guard Ben McLemore continued to stay in Houston with a $2 million salary. 

The Rockets gave a three-year contract to point guard Chris Clemons on Dec. 26. Clemons was also on a non-guaranteed deal, but he will now be guaranteed the league minimum salary in 2019-20. The Campbell product has a non-guaranteed deal next season, and the Rockets have a team option for 2021-22. 

Houston will next take the floor on Wednesday in Atlanta. They will then complete their short road tip on Thursday as Russell Westbrook makes his return to Oklahoma City for a matchup against Chris Paul and the Thunder.

Tip-off from State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET.