Houston holds off on max extensions for young stars as deadline approaches.
The Houston Rockets have decided not to offer max contract extensions to guard Jalen Green and center Alperen Sengun. According to Shams Charania’s report on ESPN’s NBA Today this past Friday, “there’s not a max contract on the table right now” for the Rockets duo.
Both players are set to become restricted free agents following the 2024-25 season. While they have received extension offers from the Rockets, those offers fall short of the max contracts Green and Sengun are reportedly seeking.
Charania noted that Houston’s stars may have to explore free agency to land the lucrative deals they desire. The team’s current stance suggests that management wants to evaluate their performance over the next season before committing to long-term contracts.
With the Monday deadline for extensions looming, the Rockets appear focused on maintaining salary cap flexibility. The team opens their regular season two days later, hosting the Charlotte Hornets.
Read More: Magic Johnson believes Bronny James is ‘in good hands’ with Lakers, compares path to Caruso, Reaves
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are both poised to play the 2024-25 season on their respective team options—$12.5 million for Green and $5.4 million for Sengun. While both are eligible for five-year rookie extensions worth up to $225 million, neither has secured a max contract.
Sengun, who delivered standout performances last season with career-highs of 21.2 points and 9.3 assists, has made it clear he wants to stay in Houston. “We’ve been talking… hopefully we make it work,” he said.
Green, after a late-season surge in 2023-24, has also shown interest in an extension but is prioritizing the upcoming season. “My main focus is the season… everything will work itself out,” he told the Houston Chronicle.
The Rockets have until Monday’s deadline to finalize any extensions. But even if deals are not reached, the team could still retain both players when they become restricted free agents. Houston appears to be using this time to weigh long-term options before committing to max contracts.
Ultimately, the Rockets may still see Green and Sengun as central to their future. The final decisions will likely be deferred until next offseason when they test free agency.
NBA 
