Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down one month after team owner Tilman Fertitta said that Morey would return, as relayed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The time of the move is curious, given that the Rockets are in the middle of a coaching search. They reportedly spoke to ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy about the vacancy on Wednesday, as well as former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue on Tuesday.
It is not clear who is leading the interview process, though Fertitta indicated last month it would be Morey. According to Wojnarowski, Morey will remain with the Rockets in an advisory role to assist with the coaching search.
“Daryl Morey’s job is safe,” Fertitta told CNBC. “I’m sure he’s going to pick the right head coach.”
Fertitta added, “It begins and end with the general manager. That’s why you have a basketball operations team. They’ll make a recommendation to me. I’m the sign-off guy. I wouldn’t know how to interview a basketball coach.”
Morey began his career with the Rockets as an assistant general manager in 2006, after serving a stint in the Boston Celtics’ front office. He succeeded Carroll Dawson as Rockets GM in 2007.
Morey, 48, is a graduate of Highland High School in Medina, Ohio. Per Wojnarowski, he will be succeeded by executive VP of basketball operations Rafael Stone, who is being promoted to GM.
The Rockets are looking to replace Mike D’Antoni, who stepped down as coach in September after four seasons on the job.
