Waiver effective in Houston
The Houston Rockets have waived Rafael Castro effective October 1. The move is already listed as effective: it is an official roster exit, not a pending negotiation, and the center leaves the first team ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The transaction is listed in NBA.com oficial and was detailed by RealGM, which framed the exit within the management of training-camp two-way spots. Hoops Rumors dated the cut to October 1 and noted that the two-way deal signed in August no longer counts toward the roster. None of the references published salary figures, a detailed length or contract clauses.
Rafael Castro profile and fit
Rafael Castro, a 23-year-old 6-foot-11 center, joined Houston in August on a two-way contract after going undrafted in the 2026 Draft. Developed at Providence from 2022 to 2024 and established at George Washington, he earned All-Atlantic 10 Second Team and All-Defensive honors in both years with the Revolutionaries. As a 2025/26 senior he averaged 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks in 27.3 minutes across 27 appearances, shooting 62.7% from the field. After going undrafted in June, his prior two-way agreement with Milwaukee was never signed. His profile offered size and interior presence without tying up a standard roster spot.
What it means for the roster
For Houston, the immediate effect is an open two-way slot before the season starts. The remaining two-way players are guards Quadir Copeland and Sean Pedulla, so the exit rebalances development spots toward the perimeter. Castro becomes a free agent and the club has not announced a further step directly linked to this exit.
