The Houston Rockets have quietly added another intriguing piece to their roster, signing guard Tristen Newton to a two-way contract over the weekend, following a standout stretch in the NBA G League.
While the move did not generate significant headlines, it reflects Houston’s continued focus on uncovering depth and capitalizing on in-season opportunities across the league’s developmental pipeline. To create roster space, the Rockets waived Tyler Smith.
Newton arrives in Houston after emerging as one of the most productive offensive players in the G League this season with the Iowa Wolves, the affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Because he remained on a standard G League contract and was not secured to an NBA or two-way deal, Houston was able to sign the 6-foot-5 guard without compensation.
His arrival gives the Rockets a high-upside scoring option who has already shown the ability to carry an offensive load while contributing as a secondary playmaker and defender.
Houston Rockets Add Explosive Scoring Depth
Newton’s production at the G League level made him increasingly difficult to ignore. In his time with Iowa, the 24-year-old averaged 26.6 points per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range.
His 532 total points ranked first league-wide at the time of his call up, while his 62 made three-pointers sat eighth overall. He consistently commanded defensive attention, scoring at all three levels and creating offense both on-and-off the ball.
Beyond scoring, Newton contributed across the board. He averaged 5.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, ranking 12th in the G League in total steals. That two-way production highlighted his impact on both ends of the floor.
One of his most notable performances came on December 20, when Newton poured in a career-high 41 points against the Birmingham Squadron, knocking down eight three pointers while adding six rebounds, nine assists, and four steals.
The outing came at the G League Winter Showcase, a marquee event heavily attended by NBA scouts.
He eclipsed the 30-point mark seven times early in the season, further reinforcing the consistency of his offensive output.
While scoring alone does not always translate to NBA success, teams increasingly value players who combine offensive production with defensive effort and adaptability. Newton has done just that, pairing volume scoring with energy, ball pressure, and a willingness to impact games without dominating possession.
On a two-way deal, Newton will split time between the Rockets and their G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, giving the organization a closer look at how his skill set translates at the NBA level without a long-term commitment.
A Familiar G League to NBA Pathway
Newton’s journey to Houston has been far from linear. Selected late in the 2024 NBA Draft after winning two NCAA Championships with UConn, he spent time on two-way deals with the Indiana Pacers and Timberwolves before beginning the 2025–26 season on a standard G League contract with Iowa.
With consistent minutes and offensive freedom, Newton found his rhythm and rebuilt momentum, positioning himself as one of the most NBA-ready guards outside the league.
Because he was not contractually tied to Minnesota, the Rockets were able to step in and secure him, a scenario that has become increasingly common across the NBA.
Similar situations have played out in recent seasons, most notably with the Memphis Grizzlies signing Scotty Pippen Jr. in 2024 after the Los Angeles Lakers failed to lock him into a two-way or standard NBA deal.
Houston’s move reflects a broader league-wide trend. As teams navigate injuries, roster churn, and financial constraints, the G League has become an increasingly valuable talent pipeline for immediate contributors and project signings.
From the Rockets’ perspective, the signing carries little downside. If Newton’s production translates, Houston gains a cost controlled contributor with momentum on his side. If not, the team retains flexibility while continuing to evaluate other options.
With two-way signings available year round, 10-day contracts opening on January 5 outside of hardship exceptions, and standard and two-way contracts becoming fully guaranteed on January 7, roster movement across the league is expected to accelerate. Newton is simply among the first beneficiaries of that window opening.
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