Daryl Morey to return as Rockets GM next season, lead coaching search

Despite speculation in the NBA world, Daryl Morey will be back with the Houston Rockets next season.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed on CNBC on Tuesday that Morey will return to his post as the team’s general manager next season and that he will lead the coaching search to replace Mike D’Antoni.

“Daryl Morey’s job is safe,” Fertitta said. “I’m sure he’s going to pick the right head coach.”

Fertitta leaving coaching search up to Morey

D’Antoni’s contract expired at the end of this season, and he informed Fertitta and the organization that he will not return to the team next year on Sunday.

The Rockets were eliminated from the postseason after falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

D’Antoni compiled a 217-102 record over four seasons with the Rockets. He’s widely expected to be considered for multiple job openings across the league, including with the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers.

Morey has held his post with the team since 2007, though he sparked an international controversy in October after tweeting his support for protesters in Hong Kong — something that cost the Rockets and the league millions of dollars in sponsorship money and other deals.

Fertitta, however, is leaving the coaching search — and the basketball side of the organization — up to Morey.

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