NBA Trade News: Houston Rockets add former Sacramento Kings forward to bolster depth

The Houston Rockets are not slowing down. Fresh off one of their most aggressive offseason in recent years— headlined by the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant— the team has made another calculated move.

In a bid to fortify its roster depth, Houston has signed forward Isaiah Crawford, formerly with the Sacramento Kings, to a two-way contract. The addition comes as the Rockets prepare to launch a serious campaign in the 2025–26 NBA season.

Isaiah Crawford brings shooting and grit to the Houston Rockets' revamped rotation

Isaiah Crawford may not be a household name just yet, but his resume in the G League and flashes of promise with Sacramento offer reasons for optimism. The 6-foot-6 forward went undrafted in 2024 out of Louisiana Tech, yet quickly earned a two-way deal with the Kings.

His time with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, was productive, highlighted by a championship run in 2025, where Crawford proved to be a key contributor.

In 37 G League games, Crawford averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. More importantly, his shooting splits were stellar: 47.3% from the field, 39.9% from three, and nearly 79% from the free-throw line.

These numbers weren’t lost on Houston’s front office. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported, “The Houston Rockets and Isaiah Crawford agreed to a two-way deal, sources told @hoopshype. Crawford averaged 13.3 points on 50.2% from the field and 44.7% from 3-point range, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in the G League. Agent Andre Buck completed the deal.”

Crawford’s arrival comes at a time when Houston is leveraging every asset available.

With a hard cap at the first apron, the team is creatively rounding out its depth using two-way contracts. Alongside Crawford, the Rockets also signed JD Davison— 2025 G League MVP and former Boston Celtics guard— to a two-way deal.

Houston Rockets get strategic with roster flexibility and youth development

With Crawford and Davison, plus Kevon Harris already occupying the team’s three two-way slots, Houston has maxed out its developmental resources. Though players on two-way deals can only appear in up to 50 NBA games and are ineligible for playoff action unless converted to standard contracts, their role in a long regular season is vital.Crawford's versatility and defensive activity give him an edge as a 3-and-D contributor, something playoff teams desperately covet. Even if he spends significant time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers— Houston’s G League affiliate— he’s now within reach of valuable minutes if injuries or rotation tweaks arise.Now, with Kevin Durant anchoring the top of the rotation, the focus shifts to finding under-the-radar contributors who can hold their own.

Crawford fits that mold.Also Read: Dwyane Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union reveals their daughter Kaavia is obsessed with marriage amid their vacation getawayBy targeting high-upside players with two-way deals, Houston’s front office continues to walk the line between win-now ambition and long-term sustainability. And it is a strategy that could make them one of the West’s most complete teams by season’s end.

FAQs

Who is Isaiah Crawford?

Isaiah Crawford is a 6'6" forward from Louisiana Tech who played with the Sacramento Kings before joining the Houston Rockets.

What is a two-way contract in the NBA?

A two-way contract allows a player to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, with a 50-game NBA limit.

Can Isaiah Crawford play in the NBA Playoffs?

Not unless the Houston Rockets convert his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal.