Rockets Waive Two-Way Player Rafael Castro

Castro signed a two-way contract with Houston in August. That two-way deal covered two seasons, but all two-way contracts are non-guaranteed and don’t count against the salary cap, so the Rockets won’t carry any dead money on their books by releasing the 6’11” big man.

Castro, who struggled to gain playing time in two seasons at Providence from 2022-24, transferred to George Washington for his junior season and became the team’s full-time starting center. He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 second team and the conference’s All-Defensive team during each of his two years with the Revolutionaries.

As a senior in 2025/26, Castro averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game across 27 appearances. The 23-year-old shot 62.7% from the field and 66.1% from the free throw line.

Shortly after Castro went undrafted in June, word broke that he had agreed to terms with the Bucks on a two-way deal. However, that contract was never signed, so either the agreement fell through or it was reported erroneously.

Houston now has a two-way opening after cutting Castro. The team’s other two-way players are guards Quadir Copeland and Sean Pedulla.