WASHINGTON -- Patrick Ewing has officially reunited with Jeff Van Gundy.

Ewing reached an agreement in principle to join the Rockets' coaching staff on Wednesday as an assistant, the team announced.

Van Gundy was an assistant coach, then a head coach, with the Knicks while Ewing was the starting center. Van Gundy was the head coach for Ewing's last five years with the Knicks.

"Patrick was one of the greatest centers to play the game and he will be an invaluable asset as a young assistant," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.

Van Gundy was named head coach of the Rockets in May, replacing Rudy Tomjanovich, who is battling bladder cancer.

Earlier Wednesday, Ewing was released from the final two months of his contract with the Wizards. Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld, who used to serve that role with the Knicks, made the decision to release Ewing from his contractual obligations with the Wizards. Grunfeld officially became Washington's general manager on Tuesday.

"Patrick and I have a long-standing friendship,'' Grunfeld said. "I know that he has another great opportunity, and we will not stand in his way.''

Ewing, a future Hall of Fame center, likely will focus much of his attention to young 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming, who averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 points in his rookie season, but still remains a somewhat raw talent. Coincidentally, Yao became interested in hoops while watching the 1994 Finals -- which included Ewing's Knicks.

After announcing his retirement in September, Ewing was lured to Washington by Michael Jordan to serve as an assistant coach. However, Jordan was fired as president of basketball operations in May.

The Wizards named Phil Hubbard to replace Ewing as their third assistant. Hubbard spent the past three seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.

Steve Clifford and Andy Greer were also named Rockets' assistants on Wednesday. Tom Thibodeau also agreed in principle to join the staff.

Information from SportsTicker was used in this report.