The Houston Rockets assigned rookie forward Malcolm Thomas to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ NBA D-League affiliate. 

Thomas, who earned a Call-Up to the Rockets from the D-Fenders on March 27, has yet to appear in a game for Houston this season. Prior to his most recent call-up, Thomas appeared in 19 games for the D-Fenders, averaging 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds. During a previous assignment from the Spurs, he averaged 9.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while with the Austin Toros. 

The Rockets signed Earl Boykins to a 10-day contract on Monday.

“It’s been a very, very busy day,” Boykins said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to come in and help this team in whatever ways possible. I just want to play steady, go in there, play consistent and bring leadership while I’m on the floor.”

Boykins played 57 games for the Bucks last season.

Houston is thin in the backcourt with Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin unavailable.

The Rockets will sign Courtney Fortson to a contract for the remainder of the 11-12 season. Fortson will also be under contract for the 12-13 season, but it is non-guaranteed.

Fortson initially received a call-up from the Clippers in January when Chris Paul was injured.

Houston signed Fortson on March 17th and he has provided depth at point guard with Kyle Lowry suffering from a bacterial infection.

Malcolm Thomas is expected to be called-up from the D-League by the Rockets on Wednesday, according to sources.

Thomas is currently a member of the Los Angeles D-Fenders and he has also appeared in three games this season for the Spurs.

Derek Fisher signed with the Thunder for $2.3 million over the remainder of the season, according to sources.

Fisher left his entire $3.5 million salary for the 12-13 season on the table in his buyout agreement with the Rockets.

Miami only had the veteran minimum to offer to Fisher.

Oklahoma City still had $3 million of its midlevel to offer Fisher.

Kyle Lowry is dealing with a bacterial infection and is at least 8-10 days from returning to action.

Lowry was averaging 15.9 points and 7.2 assists for the Rockets, who are clinging to the eight playoff spot in the Western Conference.

He was hospitalized with a fever and abdominal distress on March 8 in New York.

The Houston Rockets have re-assigned center Greg Smith to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ NBA Development League affiliate.

It is the second assignment for Smith since earning a Call-Up to the Rockets on Feb. 9.   

Smith (6-10, 250, Fresno State), has appeared in seven games with the Rockets this season, averaging 0.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.7 blocks.   

Derek Fisher opted out of the entire $3.4 million remaining on his contract for the 12-13 season, according to a source. Fisher will receive his remaining 11-12 salary in full.

Houston essentially traded Jordan Hill and his expiring contract to the Lakers for a first round pick.

When Fisher clears waivers, he will be free to sign with any team except for the Lakers or Rockets.

The Thunder, Bulls and Heat are three teams that could end up signing Derek Fisher once he clears waivers.

Oklahoma City are looking to add point guard depth behind Russell Westbrook due to the season-ending injury to Eric Maynor.

Fisher has interest in joining Chicago or Heat where he would be able to compete for a title.

The Clippers, according to sources, are not likely to pursue Fisher.

The Spurs had been mentioned as a potential landing spot, but their agreement with Patty Mills may prevent that from happening. Mills, however, has not had his rights renounced by the Blazers.

Fisher was traded by the Lakers to Houston on Thursday and was subsequently bought out on Sunday.

Derek Fisher and the Rockets agreed to a buyout on Sunday and has been placed on waivers.

"After much discussion and expressing their desire to welcome Derek to their team this season as well as the 2012-13 season, the Houston Rockets and Derek have negotiated a buyout," Fisher's publicist Jamie Wior said in a statement. "Derek's desire to win a sixth championship is what drives him and will continue to drive him as he moves forward. We thank the Houston Rockets front office for their interest, time and their absolute professionalism."