What Should the Houston Rockets Offer Amen Thompson This Offseason?
As Amen Thompson nears his rookie extension, Houston must balance his elite two-way potential against shooting concerns to find a valuation that secures their versatile core.
In the summer of 2023, the Houston Rockets drafted one of their final, and arguably most important pieces for the future. Amen Thompson’s elite athleticism and enticing two way capabilities got him selected 4th overall in the NBA Draft. Following the completion of his third season, he’s entering what could be a monumental summer for his career earnings.
Starting in the July Moratorium , he’ll be able to sign the first contract extension for the Rockets. Looking back at how Rafael Stone and Houston’s front office handled matters in the past could give us insight on what to expect with the Thompson twin. Being drafted in the season prior, Jabari Smith Jr.
agreed to a 5-year extension worth $122 million just last summer. That averages out to just over $24 million per season. According to Spotrac , he’s right in line with bigs like Nic Claxton and Naz Reid.
Wings making that same amount of money are Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, De’Andre Hunter, and Kyle Kuzma. All solid role players to varying degrees, so I think that’s a fair contract thus far. I think most people would agree that’s a major improvement from the huge contract given to Jalen Green just before the 2024 season started.