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[Saba Sports News] The Houston Rockets are officially waiving former first-round pick AJ Griffin, who has decided to end his NBA career at just 21 years old.
Reports earlier this month indicated Griffin’s desire to “step away” from basketball, though the reasons remain unclear. On Tuesday, the Rockets bought out Griffin’s rookie contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Griffin was set to earn $3.9 million this season and $5.9 million next season but chose to leave millions behind with his decision.
Drafted 16th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, Griffin showed promise in his rookie season, averaging 8.9 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and nearly 40% from three.
However, his role diminished significantly in his second year, with his minutes dropping from nearly 20 per game to just 8.6. The Rockets acquired Griffin in a trade this June.
Griffin is the son of former NBA player and current Milwaukee Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, who faced his own controversies last season.