The Houston Rockets have agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with forward Amen Thompson, securing one of the franchise’s key young players through the 2031-32 season.
The agreement, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, includes a 10% trade kicker and will begin with the 2027-28 season after Thompson completes his current rookie contract. The 23-year-old is scheduled to earn $12.26 million in 2026-27. Thompson was eligible for a larger maximum extension but agreed to a deal that gives Houston additional financial flexibility.
Thompson, the No. 4 overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, took a significant step forward during the 2025-26 season. He averaged career highs of 18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals while leading the league in minutes played. He also shot 53.4% from the field and finished eighth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The extension further solidifies a young Houston core that includes Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, all of whom are under contract beyond the upcoming season. Thompson’s development as a versatile defender, rebounder and playmaker has made him an important part of the Rockets’ plans as they attempt to build on a season in which they finished fifth in the Western Conference. Houston also enters the season with veteran additions such as Kevin Durant, Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović, while Fred VanVleet returns. The Rockets are now betting that Thompson’s continued development — particularly as a shooter — will help him grow into a long-term cornerstone alongside their established young talent.
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