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Rockets Star Amen Thompson Accepts Less Than He Could Have Demanded
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- Rockets Star Amen Thompson Accepts Less Than He Could Have Demanded
Houston Rockets star Amen Thompson secured his long-term future with the franchise before the beginning of the 2026–27 NBA season. Thompson and the Rockets agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension. However, the young star will not receive the full amount he potentially could have earned under the maximum extension.
Amen Thompson Makes Significant Concession in New Rockets Extension
Thompson took on a larger playmaking responsibility last season while Fred VanVleet was sidelined. The young forward also continued to showcase his defensive versatility, regularly guarding players across both the perimeter and frontcourt. His two-way impact made the decision to invest in his future relatively straightforward for Houston.
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However, Keith Smith of Front Office Sports reported that Thompson's new extension is approximately $44 million below the 25% maximum salary available to him.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) dribbles as Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
"Amen Thompson's extension with the Rockets comes in about $44M less than the 25% of the cap max. AAV of $41.6M vs $50.5M," Smith wrote . "That's decent flexibility for Houston moving forward and still a monster deal for Thompson."
NBA reporter Zach Lowe also provided more insight into the structure of Thompson's extension, noting that the contract does not contain escalator clauses tied to individual accolades.
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"Sources say there is *no* escalator clause/s in Amen Thompson's extension — first reported by @ShamsCharania — if he were to make All-NBA or win Defensive Player of the year," Lowe wrote. "Deal is below Thompson's max potential deal but still a ton of money obviously."
Thompson entered the NBA as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Since arriving in the league, he has quickly developed into one of its most impactful young defenders while continuing to expand his offensive game.
Rafael Stone Believes Amen Thompson's Best Basketball Is Still Ahead
Rockets general manager Rafael Stone offered strong praise for Thompson following the completion of his contract extension.
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"Amen represents everything we want our organization to be about," Stone said . "He has elite two-way ability, a toughness and the will to outwork his peers, and he competes in every circumstance. Year over year, he's improved in every facet of his game, and we know his best basketball is ahead of him."
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with guard Amen Thompson (1) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Thompson became the second player from the 2023 draft class to receive a rookie-scale extension, joining San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama.
Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. Only nine NBA players averaged at least 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists during the campaign. His all-around production made him the youngest player to join a group that included teammate Alperen Sengun, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson, Paolo Banchero, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.
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Behind Thompson's impressive two-way contributions, the Rockets finished fifth in the Western Conference last season. However, their postseason journey came to an early end after Houston suffered a first-round series defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers.
