HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets informed center Hasheem Thabeet, forward Terrence Williams and guard Jonny Flynn that they will not pick up their options for 2012-2013, which means they will become free agents after this season.

The Rockets’ decisions on the three players, who were first-round picks in the 2009 draft lottery, had to be made by today.

The Rockets did what was expected, because the three players are not part of the Houston rotation.

“I am not playing, so it’s not a surpise,” said Terrence Williams in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. “It just means I’m not going to be a Rocket.

“When I came out (of the rotation) the team played well and I can’t be selfish. I’m their biggest cheerleader. I know when I played I contributed.”

Thabeet also was not caught off guard.

“Got to wait for another opportunity,” Thabeet said. “Got to make the most of the opportunities.

“You never know what’s going to happen in this league. It’s part of the business.”

Flynn is taking the same approach.

“It’s not surprising,” Flynn said. “I haven’t been able to play.

“I just have to be professional and do what I have to do.”

The Rockets still have to make a decision on the 2012-2013 option for center/forward Jordan Hill who is part of their rotation.

The deadline to extend guard Courtney Lee’s contract is also today or he will become a restricted free agent after the season.

Lee did not expect the two sides to get an agreement.

“I have to continue to play and increase my value and hopefully I play my way into a good offer this summer,” Lee said.