Report: Rockets not planning to discipline Morey for Hong Kong tweet

The Houston Rockets aren't planning to discipline general manager Daryl Morey over his tweet about the politically-charged protests in Hong Kong, sources told The Athletic's Sam Amick.

The NBA also isn't planning to reprimand Morey, who had expressed support for pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. Hong Kong shares a strained relationship with China.

Earlier, sources told John Gonzalez of The Ringer that Rockets ownership was debating on whether to remove Morey from his post over the since-deleted tweet. Rockets chairman Tilman Fertitta scolded Morey over the message, saying his organization was apolitical.

"We recognize that the views expressed by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey have deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable," NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said Sunday night in a statement. "While Daryl has made it clear that his tweet does not represent the Rockets or the NBA, the values of the league support individuals educating themselves and sharing their views on matters important to them. We have great respect for the history and culture of China and hope that sports and the NBA can be used as a unifying force to bridge cultural divides and bring people together."

The Chinese government, Chinese Basketball Association, and other organizations in China pushed back on Morey's tweet, threatening to sever ties with the Rockets. The team has long been popular in China thanks to the eight-year playing stint of Rockets legend Yao Ming.

Morey tweeted a statement regarding the situation Sunday night.

"I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China," he said. "I was merely voicing one thought based on one interpretation of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunities since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives.

"I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA."

After declaring the Rockets had no political stances, Fertitta told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that Morey's job wasn't in jeopardy.

"I have the best general manager in the league," he said. "Everything is fine with Daryl and me. We got a huge backlash, and I wanted to make clear that (the organization) has no (political) position. We're here to play basketball and not to offend anybody."

Morey has served as Rockets GM since 2007. He's earned a reputation as one of the most creative and aggressive executives in the NBA while also being a staunch supporter of analytics.