HOUSTON (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the move says the Houston Rockets have waived forward Luis Scola.
The team used its amnesty clause on Scola, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the move has not been announced. The one-time provision allows Scola to leave without his remaining contract counting against the team’s salary cap or luxury tax
A fan favorite in Houston, the 6-foot-9 Scola averaged 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds in five seasons with the Rockets. He’s due to make $21 million over the next three seasons.
The Rockets have torn apart their 2011-12 roster as they reportedly push Orlando to send them All-Star center Dwight Howard. Cutting Scola would allow Houston to absorb multiple undesirable contracts from Orlando in a potential deal.
Houston is also expected to sign Knicks guard Jeremy Lin and Bulls center Omer Asik to offer sheets.
