In a move surprising only because of its timing, the Rockets and free-agent forward Ryan Bowen agreed to terms on a two-year contract Wednesday. The deal becomes official when the NBA lifts its moratorium on signings, which is set to take place early next week.

Bowen, 29, was thought to be down the list of priorities for the Rockets, who are poised to sign former Memphis Grizzlies forward Stromile Swift and remain in pursuit of veteran free-agent guard Damon Stoudamire. It was suggested the Rockets would focus their attention on re-signing center Dikembe Mutombo and guard Jon Barry, but they moved quickly in reaching an agreement with Bowen.

"(Rockets coach) Jeff (Van Gundy) and (general manager) Carroll (Dawson) are great, so it made sense that Ryan would want to stay," said Bowen's agent Guy Zucker, who declined to reveal the terms of the contract.