Rockets Star Amen Thompson Secures Massive 5-Year, $208M Extension!
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson has signed a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale extension, committing him to the team through 2032. The 23-year-old, a No. 4 pick from 2023, has become a key multi-position player, achieving career highs in points, assists, and steals last season. This deal reinforces the Rockets' strategy of securing their young core for future success.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson has secured a significant five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with the franchise, according to sources. This new agreement includes a 10% trade kicker and aligns with the percentage of the Rockets' salary cap used for Alperen Sengun's five-year, $185 million rookie extension in 2024. Thompson is now committed to the team through the 2032 season, solidifying his future with Houston.
Thompson, at 23 years old, has rapidly evolved into a pivotal multi-position player for the Rockets since being selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Last season, he demonstrated remarkable growth and durability by leading the entire NBA in minutes played. His performance statistics soared to career highs, averaging 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Notably, ESPN Research indicated Thompson ranked eighth in total steals and fourth in loose ball recoveries across the league.
His impressive all-around game placed him among an elite group of players. Last season, Thompson was one of only nine players to average at least 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. He stood out as the youngest on this prestigious list, which also included star players such as Alperen Sengun, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson, Paolo Banchero, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum, highlighting his versatile impact on the court.
While Thompson primarily assumed the point guard role last season due to Fred VanVleet's absence, he has consistently showcased his ability to fluidly transition between both guard positions and even contribute in the frontcourt. This versatility is a key asset for the Rockets, who have achieved 52 wins in each of the last two seasons, signaling a strong upward trajectory for the team.
The extension for Thompson underscores the Rockets' commitment to building around their promising young core. With this deal, Houston has successfully locked in multiyear extensions for key talents including Thompson, Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. Prior to last season, the franchise also secured All-NBA star Kevin Durant with a two-year, $90 million extension, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, further strengthening their long-term competitive outlook.
Thompson's extension makes him the second player from the 2023 draft class to agree to a rookie deal, following Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Looking ahead, several other notable players from the 2023 class, such as Charlotte's Brandon Miller, Detroit's Ausar Thompson, Utah's Keyonte George, Oklahoma City's Cason Wallace, Milwaukee's Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Golden State's Brandin Podziemski, are anticipated to be candidates for rookie extensions in the coming weeks.