Report: Rockets buy out former 1st-round pick AJ Griffin

The Houston Rockets and forward AJ Griffin have agreed to a buyout, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Griffin, 21, is expected to step away from basketball, Charania adds.

The buyout is worth $250,000, reports Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. The move opens up a roster spot for Houston.

Griffin was the 16th pick in the 2022 draft. He played two seasons, averaging 7.5 points while shooting 37.2% from three in 92 games with the Atlanta Hawks.

After a promising freshman campaign, Griffin's production plummeted in his second season. He only appeared in 20 contests and averaged 2.4 points per game while shooting 25.6% from deep.

The former Duke Blue Devil was acquired by the Rockets as part of a three-team deal this offseason. He appeared in five games for Houston's Summer League squad, averaging 11.6 points and three rebounds.