As the deadline for contract extensions loomed, the Houston Rockets found themselves under pressure to secure the futures of their two rising stars, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Fans were on edge, with rumors swirling that neither player would land a max contract. Despite that, the Rockets made decisive moves to ensure both players remain central to the team’s plans beyond this season.
Alperen Sengun, the versatile center who has earned comparisons to Nikola Jokic, agreed to a five-year, $185 million deal. This extension made it clear the Rockets see Sengun as a foundational piece for their future. But when it came to Jalen Green, the Rockets took a different approach. Green, known for his explosive scoring, signed a more unconventional three-year, $106 million contract that caught the attention of analysts and fans alike.
Green’s contract, structured as a two-year deal with a player option for the third year, offers flexibility for both him and the Rockets. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst described the deal as trade-friendly, suggesting that the Rockets want time to assess Green’s development before fully committing. If he doesn’t meet expectations, the team has the flexibility to move him without the burden of a long-term deal. For Green, the player option provides him with control over his future, as noted by Bobby Marks. Instead of being locked into a five-year contract, Green can opt out after two years, giving him an escape if he finds himself in an undesirable situation.
This contract demonstrates the Rockets’ belief in Green’s talent while acknowledging that more time is needed to evaluate his long-term fit. Within the organization, there remains optimism about Green’s potential, especially with head coach Ime Udoka and seasoned veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks fostering a culture of growth. Green’s performances late last season provided glimpses of his potential, particularly in March, when he averaged 27.7 points per game and shot 40% from three-point range.
Defensively, Green’s agility and wingspan allow him to excel in pick-and-roll coverage, where he ranks in the 76th percentile for points allowed per possession. However, he still struggles with consistency in closing out on shooters. Despite this, his overall skill set and work ethic have the Rockets hopeful about his future.
Whether Green ultimately becomes a franchise cornerstone in Houston or a coveted asset for another team, his journey remains one of the most intriguing narratives to follow.
