Sources: Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey steps down; decision was mutual

HOUSTON – Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey stepped down from his position Thursday, and according to KPRC 2 sources, the decision was mutual.

The Rockets have made the playoffs 10 times since Morey was hired in 2007, including the last eight seasons.

Morey was responsible for the blockbuster trade that brought James Harden to Houston from Oklahoma City. The Rockets reached the Western Conference finals twice under Morey but were unable to win their first championship since the team captured consecutive titles in 1994-95.

The move comes after coach Mike D’Antoni told the team he would not return after the Rockets lost to the Lakers in the conference semifinals.

Morey caused an international uproar last year when he tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Morey tweeted an image that said: “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” His tweet was in reference to pro-democracy demonstrations in the semiautonomous Chinese territory that had been mired in escalating violence between protesters and law enforcement.

The tweet caused businesses in China to cut ties with the Rockets and broadcasters there refused to air the team’s games this season.

NBA telecasts in China, however, resumed during the recent NBA Finals.

Rafael Stone was promoted to replace Morey’s position as general manager, according to sources. Stone was the executive vice president of basketball operations. He joined the Rockets in 2004 as general counsel.