Cody Zeller not expected to play for Rockets this season: Sources

Despite being traded to Houston nearly three weeks ago on deadline day, Rockets center Cody Zeller remains away from the team and is not expected to join between now and the end of the season, team and league sources told The Athletic.

The 12-year veteran, who arrived from Atlanta earlier this month, has yet to appear in an NBA game this season, having last suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans 43 times during the 2023-24 campaign. Houston acquired Zeller, along with a 2028 second-round pick it originally owned, as part of a deal that got the Hawks under the luxury tax.

Prior to his arrival in Houston, the 32-year-old Zeller was on the Hawks roster, but had not been with the team dating back to training camp. Last October, Hawks general manager Landry Fields admitted doubt about Zeller’s place with the franchise, and the two sides reached a solution to allow Zeller to stay away from the team. The Rockets have been in contact with Zeller’s agent, Sam Goldfeder of Excel Basketball — the same agency that represents All-Star big Alperen Şengün — and have come to a similar understanding.

Trying to fit Zeller into a crowded rotation would have been a near-impossible task for Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets are already deep at the center position with Şengün, Steven Adams and Jock Landale — as well as Jabari Smith Jr. and Jeff Green deputizing at the five when called upon.

But holding onto Zeller’s contract provides the Rockets with more roster flexibility in the future. Zeller is in the first year of a three-year, $11 million contract, the final two years of which are non-guaranteed. Houston’s brass opted against making any major moves around this season’s trade deadline, but Zeller’s contract could be useful to match salary if the front office decides to become aggressive on the open market.

Zeller, the No. 4 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, boasts career averages of 7.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He spent his first eight seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before moving on to Portland, New Orleans, Atlanta and now Houston.