Daryl Morey took on a "diminished" role during the Houston Rockets coaching search in recent weeks, sources told Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Morey's role was likened to operating "essentially as a consultant." Rafael Stone was promoted to replace Morey as GM.

Two Rockets candidates stated that it wasn't necessarily clear that Morey was leaving the team, though other candidates observed that Morey wasn't leading the interview process.

The Rockets have interviewed several candidates thus far, including Stephen Silas for a second time on Friday.

Morey said that he would like to return to the NBA sometime in the future.