Rockets Rumors: 'Rumblings' Daryl Morey's 'Job Status Could Be in Jeopardy'

The Houston Rockets are reportedly expected to retain general manager Daryl Morey despite speculation his job could be in jeopardy. 

Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported owner Tilman Fertitta has not "wavered" on retaining Morey, who has several years remaining in his contract.

Morey's job has been the subject of speculation since he tweeted support for the people of Hong Kong in October 2019, jeopardizing the Rockets' and NBA's relationship with China.

"The tweet was seven words. There was nothing wrong with the tweet," Fertitta told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. "That's why one hour later I told ESPN when I was asked 'Are you going to get rid of Daryl Morey,' I was like, 'Are you crazy? Why would I get rid of Daryl for that tweet?' I think Daryl's one of the best general managers in the league. Plus, we truly enjoy working with each other. To this day, we plan on working with each other, and I expect Daryl to be here for years to come."

Morey has been the Rockets' general manager since 2007, leading them to the playoffs 10 times (including 2019-20). Houston has made the postseason each of the last eight years and was one win away from an NBA Finals berth in 2018.

Assuming Morey is safe, the Rockets' biggest offseason decision will come down to coach Mike D'Antoni, who is in the final year of his contract. Negotiations with D'Antoni on a contract extension fell through last summer, leading to him essentially coaching this season as a lame duck.

D'Antoni's job status will likely come down to how Houston fares in the postseason.