The move is seen partly as a money-saving measure because the NBA club are currently over their tax limit and because his contract is not guaranteed, they can release 26-year-old Mensah-Bonsu without having to pay any compensation.

 

The 6ft 10in Londoner, who signed for the Rockets on September 3, played a total of 12 minutes in four games this season, averaging 1.3 points after returning from representing Britain at the European Championships in Poland.

 

Daryl Morey, the Rockets general manager, said: "The will allow Pops an opportunity to explore options for more playing time.

 

"Pops did a great job while he was here with us at the Rockets."

 

Mensah-Bonsu, who played the final 20 matches in the NBA last season for the Toronto Raptors, is now searching for a new club and has already been linked with a short-term move to the Chicago Bulls, where British team-mate Luol Deng plays.

 

Mensah-Bonsu has also played for Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

 

 

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