Houston Rockets center Cody Zeller will not join the team until the end of the season, according to sources. The 12-year veteran was traded to Houston nearly three weeks ago but has yet to appear in an NBA game this season. Zeller’s absence is due to a crowded rotation at the center position, where he would have had to compete with other players like Alperen Şengün, Steven Adams, and Jock Landale. However, holding onto Zeller’s contract will provide the Rockets with roster flexibility in the future, as the final two years of his three-year, $11 million deal are non-guaranteed. This could be useful if the front office decides to make major moves on the open market.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6156707/2025/02/24/cody-zeller-rockets-contract-status