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Houston Rockets Expected to Sign Huge Amen Thompson Contract Extension That May Backfire
TL;DR
The Houston Rockets are set to sign Amen Thompson to a contract extension exceeding $250 million over five years. Despite his potential, concerns exist about whether this investment will pay off given the team's recent performance.
Key points
- Houston Rockets expected to sign Amen Thompson to a huge deal
- Contract extension worth over $250 million over five years
- Thompson earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors
- Rockets have not reached the Semifinals in six seasons
- Thompson viewed as a potential superstar
Houston RocketsAmen Thompson
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets are coming off a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs, extending their streak without a Semifinals appearance to six seasons. While the Rocketsā young core didnāt take a step forward this season, it appears one of them is about to get rewarded with a huge deal.
According to Sam AMmick and William Guillory of The Athletic, the Rockets are expected to sign Amen Thompson to a contract extension this offseason that will be worth more than $250 million over five years.
Thompson, age 23, earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors this past season. Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many around the league have been high on the 6-foot-7 wing for his length and outstanding defensive ability. In each of the past two seasons, heās been viewed as a player who could make the leap into superstardom and Houston hasnāt been willing to include him in any trade proposals to land an established superstar.
When Thompson signs the five-year contract extension worth $250-plus million, his average annual salary of $50-plus million will make him one of the six highest-paid shooting guards in the NBA. Heāll be paid in the same range as Donovan Mitchell and just ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards ($48.924 million average annual value).
Importantly, per The Athletic, Rockets ownerhsip is giving approval for the front office to spend more on the roster next season and it wants to keep the young core together. There could, however, be an issue for Houston once the contract extension goes into effect.
Why the Rockets Might Regret an Amen Thompson Contract Extension
Q&A
What is the value of Amen Thompson's expected contract extension with the Rockets?
Amen Thompson's expected contract extension with the Rockets is worth more than $250 million over five years.
Why might the Rockets' contract extension for Amen Thompson backfire?
Concerns about the contract extension potentially backfiring stem from the Rockets' recent struggles and the team's failure to advance in the playoffs.
What accolades did Amen Thompson achieve in the past season?
Amen Thompson earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in the past season.
How long has it been since the Rockets made it to the NBA Semifinals?
The Houston Rockets have not made it to the NBA Semifinals in six seasons.