The Rockets agree to a buyout and waive 2022 first-round pick AJ Griffin, who may retire from the game

As expectedThe Houston Rockets and AJ Griffin have agreed to terms of a buyout announced by the team.

The buyout is reportedly worth $250,000 and will allow him to “sit out the season and consider whether he continues his career,” a person with knowledge of the agreement said. said Jonathan Fiegan of the Houston Chronicle.

Griffin — the 21-year-old son of former NBA player and coach Adrian Griffin and the No. 16 pick out of Duke two years ago — asked for that spot outside of the game. As a rookie, Griffin looked like a future NBA role player, averaging 8.9 points per game and shooting 39% from 3 for Atlanta. Last season was a different story for Griffin, who missed time early in the season for personal reasons and never made the rotation upon his return. Griffin averaged 2.4 points per game and shot 29% from 3 while struggling defensively.

The Rockets’ front office was reportedly intrigued by Griffin and his potential and traded him in a three-team deal this offseason. Griffin played for the Rockets in the Las Vegas Summer League and averaged 11.6 points and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 28% from 3 – disappointing stats for a player of Griffin’s experience.

Griffin now has the space he wanted to think about his future. Let’s hope he finds what he’s looking for, whether basketball is involved or not.