Rockets pick up option on point guard Brooks

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets have picked up the first of two optional years on point guard Aaron Brooks' contract.

General Manager Daryl Morey praised the play of the Rockets' 2007 first-round draft pick last season. Under terms of Brooks' two-year deal, the Rockets could pick up an optional third year for a little more than $1.2 million. The second optional year would carry a salary of a little more than $2 million.

Brooks played in 80 games last season, including 35 starts, averaging 11.2 points, three assists and two rebounds.

KRIV-TV in Houston was the first to report the Rockets exercising the option on Thursday.