5 Years, $208 Million! Rockets Extend Amen Thompson Early, New Contract Receives Approval as His Average Points Improve by 4 Each Season

On September 4 Beijing time, the Houston Rockets finally kept Amen Thompson. According to reports, the Rockets gave their core guard Amen Thompson a five-year, $208 million near-max contract. Although the Rockets did not give Amen a max contract worth $50 million per year, Amen Thompson has still received a very favorable deal. Previously, many experts believed Amen's extension would have an average annual salary of around $35 million to $38 million, but he is now receiving an average annual salary of $41.6 million from the Rockets, which can be said to exceed expectations by a significant margin.

Although Amen Thompson did not directly receive a max contract like Victor Wembanyama, this contract is still very favorable for him. The 23-year-old Amen Thompson made a smart choice because he understands the value of securing guaranteed money. Money in hand is what matters, and he should not avoid a big contract like Kuminga, who can now only go to the Timberwolves for a much smaller contract.

So was signing Amen Thompson a loss or a gain for the Rockets? Rockets beat reporter Lachard Binkley also analyzed the extension, saying he expected Amen Thompson to receive an annual salary of $35 million to $40 million. Amen has now signed a new contract with an average annual salary of $41.6 million, which is basically in line with his expectations for Amen Thompson.

Although some people may think the Rockets overpaid, with a $40 million annual salary being too much of a premium, if the Rockets are focused on long-term development, using a five-year contract to lock up a top defensive player who is only 23 years old is a very smart choice. Another noteworthy statistic is that during his three years with the Rockets, Amen Thompson's average points per game have increased by more than 4 points each season. Last season, his averages had already reached 18+7+5, making him one of the best young guards in the league.

Seeing Amen Thompson make such significant progress every year, the Rockets giving him a five-year, $208 million contract is still very worthwhile. At least Rockets beat reporter Lachard Binkley strongly approves of the signing. This is also the fifth extension the Rockets have given to a young player they drafted themselves. Eason received an extension this summer, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Sengun had previously signed with the Rockets. Rockets guard Jalen Green, who was already sent to the Phoenix Suns last summer, also received an early extension.

The next task for the Rockets is to streamline their roster. After all, Eason and Amen Thompson both signed new contracts this summer and stayed with the team, meaning the Rockets' two biggest uncertainties have finally been resolved. In the new season, they will use their most complete roster to face the regular season and playoffs, hoping that Amen Thompson can deliver an even better performance.

Some experts even believe that Rockets guard Amen Thompson can average at least 20 points per game next season. If that happens, the Rockets' contract would be extremely valuable.