The Houston Rockets are waiving Canadian forward Anthony Bennett, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The former first-overall pick will now become an unrestricted free agent.
Bennett, 26, was signed to a non-guaranteed deal by the Rockets this summer and was looking to make a comeback to the NBA after two seasons in Europe and the G-League.
It was reported earlier this month, however, that Bennett needed arthroscopic knee surgery that was going to make it much harder for him to crack the Rockets roster.
“It’s tough, but it’s something I can deal with,” Bennett told the Houston Chronicle. “I’m just trying not to aggravate it too much.”
The Brampton, Ont., native has struggled to make an impact in the NBA since the Cleveland Cavaliers took him first-overall in 2013. Bennett has appeared in 151 games with the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets but hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2016-17 season.
Bennett averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 44.9 per cent from 3-pt. range with the G League’s Agua Caliente Clippers last season.