THE SIDELINES : Maxwell Ends Contract Holdout

Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell has ended his monthlong contract holdout and rejoined the team.

Maxwell returned to the team Tuesday night in Springfield, Mass., where the Rockets lost their final exhibition game to the Detroit Pistons, 113-104.

Maxwell has two years remaining on his contract that will pay him a base of $200,000 this season.

Maxwell, obtained from the San Antonio Spurs last season, wanted his contract renegotiated.

“At the end of the year, we’ll sit down and talk,” Rockets General Manager Steve Patterson said.

Maxwell was being fined $300 for each missed practice and $1,000 for each missed preseason game. Patterson said there have been no discussions on whether the fines will be rescinded.