The Rockets are all in on Alperen Sengun. That turned evident after Houston reached a five-year, $185 million rookie scale extension with the proficient huge man, per NBA insider Bobby Marks of ESPN.
The deal, which features a participant possibility for the fifth 12 months, locks up one of many league’s most intriguing younger facilities — and makes it clear that Houston sees Sengun as a central determine of their future plans.
Sengun, simply 22, had a breakout season in 2023-24. He put up career-high numbers throughout the board — 21.1 factors, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per recreation — whereas capturing almost 54% from the sector. He was a finalist for Most Improved Participant, ending third within the voting, and although accidents reduce his season brief, his play spoke volumes.
He’s a giant man who can perform a little little bit of the whole lot, whether or not it’s scoring within the paint, facilitating the offense, and even locking down opponents on protection.
There was some query about whether or not the Rockets would transfer now or wait, contemplating they might have held onto some cap flexibility for 2025. With Sengun’s cap maintain at $16.3 million, delaying a brand new deal would’ve given them extra room to maneuver.
However Sengun made it clear he wished to get a deal completed, and Houston wasn’t going to danger letting their rising star’s price ticket enhance any additional with one other huge season on the horizon.
With Sengun locked in alongside Jalen Inexperienced — who simply signed a three-year, $105.3 million extension — the Rockets are exhibiting they’re dedicated to constructing round their younger core. It additionally suggests Houston’s entrance workplace isn’t involved about taking part in beneath the cap subsequent summer season.
As a substitute, they’re centered on growing a roster constructed to develop collectively, with Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Reed Sheppard all beneath contract by way of a minimum of 2027.
In a span of 24 hours, Sengun turned the most recent NBA participant to safe a rookie scale extension, becoming a member of the likes of Jalen Johnson, Jalen Suggs, and his personal teammate, Inexperienced. The message from Houston is loud and clear — they imagine Sengun is a cornerstone, they usually’re paying him like one.
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