Houston Rockets Sign Tristen Newton to a Two-Way
Published on January 3, 2026 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
EDINBURG, Texas - The Houston Rockets announced today the team has signed Tristen Newton to a two-way contract. In a related move, the Rockets have waived Tyrese Smith.
In September of 2025 Newton signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He appeared in three games for the Timberwolves. He then returned to the Iowa Wolves and spent the first half of the 2025-26 season with the team averaging 26.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game in a total of 19 games played.
During the 2024-25 season he joined the Iowa Wolves during the second half of the season. After being selected by the Indiana Pacers during the 2024 NBA Draft in the second round with pick 19, Newton was signed to a two-way contract during the first half of the 24-25 season.
The Texas native played five years of collegiate basketball between the University of Connecticut (2022-24) and Eastern Carolina University (2019-22). With UConn he won two NCAA championships and was named the 2024 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. In 2024 he became the recipient of the Bob Cousy Award and made the Consensus All-American First Team.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rgvipers.com.
NBA G League Stories from January 3, 2026
- Stars Bounce Back with Huge Win over the Remix to Close out Back-To-Back - Salt Lake City Stars
- Late Run Lifts Skyforce to 120-114 Road Victory at Iowa - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- South Bay Lakers Out-Hustle Memphis to Earn Overtime Win - South Bay Lakers
- Williams Scores 33 in Maine's Overtime Thrilling Win - Maine Celtics
- Vipers Dim the Suns in Battle of the Valleys - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Iowa Wolves Drop One 114-120 to Sioux Falls Skyforce in First Home Game of New Year - Iowa Wolves
- Windy City Falls to Osceola to Split Series, 1-1 - Windy City Bulls
- Osceola Magic Defeat Bulls on Second Night of Back-To-Back - Osceola Magic
- Herd Dethrone the Kings, 89-87 - Wisconsin Herd
- Houston Rockets Sign Tristen Newton to a Two-Way - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Birmingham Moves to 4-3 Behind Big Performances from Carton and Oduro - Birmingham Squadron
- Series Preview: at Iowa Wolves - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Legends Dominate Second Half to Take Down OKC Blue - Texas Legends
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Rio Grande Valley Vipers Stories
- Vipers Improve to 6-0 at Home
- Knight's Career-High and Triple-Double by Nix Secure Win
- Capitanes Sweep Vipers
- Vipers Face Defeat in Mexico City
- Near Triple-Double from Daishen Nix Helps Seal Win
