The Houston Rockets are currently facing the decision of whether to extend the contracts of two key players, center Alperen Sengun and shooting guard Jalen Green, as they enter the fourth seasons of their rookie contracts. General manager Rafael Stone emphasized the importance of communication with the players in making this decision, noting that while teams have the opportunity to extend players at this point in their contracts, they are not obligated to do so. The Rockets can revisit talks the following summer if necessary, indicating that there is no rush to make a decision.
Sengun has emerged as a standout player for the Rockets this season, putting up impressive stats and drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokic. Under first year head coach Ime Udoka, Sengun saw an increase in his usage and became a key player for the team before suffering an ankle injury. Green, on the other hand, had a more inconsistent season but showed flashes of potential, especially during a strong performance in March. The question remains whether Green can maintain consistency and improve his shooting efficiency over the course of a full season, raising concerns about the Rockets potentially extending him at a high price tag.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Sengun’s future with the team, as the Rockets unsuccessfully attempted to sign Brook Lopez last offseason to potentially replace Sengun at center. It is unclear whether management sees Sengun as the long-term solution at center, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, rookie scale extensions can now last five seasons, giving teams more flexibility in negotiating contract extensions with young players.
The Rockets will need to carefully evaluate their options and consider the long-term implications of extending Sengun and Green. Stone emphasized the importance of having open communication with the players and taking their development into account when making these decisions. With the opportunity to extend both players this summer, the Rockets will need to weigh the advantages of locking in these young talents against the risks of committing to potentially high-priced contracts for players still in the early stages of their careers.
As the Rockets look towards the future, the decisions regarding Sengun and Green will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s roster and direction. Both players have shown potential to be key contributors for the franchise, but questions remain about their consistency and long-term fit with the team. With the opportunity to extend their contracts under the new collective bargaining agreement, the Rockets will need to carefully consider all factors before making a final decision on the future of these promising young players.
