Houston Rockets forward Thabo Sefolosha has opted out of the season's restart in Orlando, Florida, sources told ESPN.
Sefolosha, 36, had played in 41 games this season, averaging 10 minutes and 2.2 points
Veteran forwards Jeff Green and DeMarre Carroll -- both signed during the season -- will shoulder more minutes in his departure.
The Rockets have reached an agreement to sign forward Luc Mbah a Moute as a substitution player, sources confirmed to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The Athletic first reported the deal.
Mbah a Moute, 33, played only four games for the LA Clippers in 2018-19 due to injuries and hasn't been in the league this season. He was a valuable reserve for the Rockets during their 65-win season in 2017-18, when he averaged 7.5 points in 25.6 minutes per game and was one of Houston's best defenders.
Houston is 40-24, sixth in the Western Conference -- and only one full game out of fourth place.
Teams are submitting rosters and traveling parties to the NBA on Wednesday for the July 30 restart at Walt Disney World Resort. Players pulling out with an excused absence will lose the balance of the season's paycheck.
Because his absence is considered unexcused, Sefolosha will lose a portion of the salary owed him.
In 14 NBA seasons, including stops with Chicago, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Houston, Sefolosha has averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.
