That this news comes to light just hours after what is widely considered the NBA’s story of the year does not diminish its significance in the slightest. The Houston Rockets have extended Amen Thompson’s deal to the maximum allowed under the rookie scale: $208 million over the next five years, equating to 25% of the salary cap.
This move makes him the second-highest paid player on the roster, behind only Kevin Durant. The Rockets, who once expressed caution with deals for Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green by shaving a few million off, now seem to have no qualms about Thompson’s All-Defense credentials.
With an unexpected offensive burden to shoulder, Thompson has elevated his numbers to 18.3 points and 5.3 assists per game this season, while continuing to haul in nearly eight rebounds per contest and remaining among the league’s top defenders.
The contract includes a 10% trade kicker.
