Rockets Release Lawson and Thornton, To Sign Beasley

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The Houston Rockets have made their moves this week. The Rockets and Ty Lawson have agreed on a contract buyout after failing to move the guard last trade deadline. Lawson was the biggest acquisition of the Rockets from the Denver Nuggets last summer. But Lawson’s Houston appearance resulted to a terrible season for him with James Harden as his backcourt partner who is a ball dominant shooting guard. The Rockets also waived guard Marcus Thornton after the Pistons rescinded the trade with Donatas Motiejunas failing his physical.

Meanwhile, the team will sign former heat player Michael Beasley for the rest of the season after waiving guards, Thornton and Lawson. Beasley spent the year playing overseas. Beasley averaged 31.9 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest in 40 games with Shandong Golden Stars of Chinese Basketball Association. He has NBA career averages of 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists while playing with the Heat, Timberwolves and Suns.

Michael Beasley to sign with team in China

After failing to find a new NBA team, Michael Beasley will instead make the jump overseas. The 26-year-old forward will sign with Shandong of the Chinese Basketball Association.

If the deal becomes official, Beasley will be starting his second stint in China. During the 2014-15 season, he played 37 games with the Shanghai Sharks, averaging 28.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists a night.