In a bit of a surprising move, the Houston Rockets have pulled their qualifying offer from guard Courtney Lee, which will make him an unrestricted free agent.

Housekeeping note: Rockets swingman Courtney Lee is now an unrestricted free agent after Rockets withdraw his qualifying offer

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2012

The Rockets are reportedly hot after free agent point guard Jeremy Lin, and pulling their offer for Lee has some speculating that it's a way to make room for Lin on the roster. It's still possible, though unlikely, the Rockets will try to keep Lee.

Lee should garner plenty of interest on the open market for his services. Originally drafted by the Orlando Magic, Lee was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a move for Vince Carter, and then part of a four-team deal that sent him to the Houston Rockets. Lee played in 139 games for the Rockets over the past two seasons.

For more on the Rockets, visit The Dream Shake and SB Nation Houston.