As Evan Mobley pens a colossal five-year, $224 million extension, the spotlight now shifts to Houston Rockets’ emerging stars, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. With Green’s contract extensions becoming a hot topic, speculation swirls about whether he and Sengun will secure rookie-scale max deals—or if the Rockets will opt to delay their decisions.
The Waiting Game: What’s Next for Sengun and Green’s Contract Extensions?
It’s not a slight on the Rockets’ faith in Sengun and Green; it’s a matter of strategic timing. The team is likely to navigate these waters carefully, avoiding a protracted offseason showdown akin to Cleveland’s with Isaac Okoro. Instead, expect a resolution more akin to Tyrese Maxey’s contract scenario.
So, what does the future hold for Sengun and Green? Let’s dive into the potential scenarios.
Sengun’s Likely Max Contract
The buzz is that Sengun will land a max contract next summer. With his current trajectory, the Rockets would be remiss not to lock him in with a hefty deal. While a sooner agreement seemed possible, it’s now anticipated that Rafael Stone and Sengun’s camp will finalize terms after the 2024-25 season. This delay benefits Houston, allowing them to maximize their cap flexibility—especially with Dillon Brooks’ sizable deal and Fred VanVleet’s potential departure.
Sengun is in line for a five-year contract exceeding $220 million, reflecting his significant role in the team’s future.
Green’s Contract Conundrum
For Jalen Green, the situation is more nuanced. Despite peers like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes securing their extensions, Green’s performance hasn’t yet earned him the same level of assurance from the Rockets. This season is pivotal for Green, as he aims to solidify his value in what amounts to a contract year.
Green’s strong finish to last season has revitalized hopes for his future in Houston, but the Rockets are still evaluating his fit and potential. His ability to consistently perform will be crucial, and he’ll need to prove he can be a reliable cornerstone for the team.
Team Dynamics and Future Decisions
Rafael Stone remains open to discussing extensions during the offseason, but the broader team-building strategy adds complexity. With the Rockets’ aim to retain their core group, including the newly added Reed Sheppard, extending both Sengun and Green simultaneously could strain their budget.
It’s worth pondering whether the Rockets might prioritize Sengun over Green, given the team’s current needs and potential trade scenarios. If a blockbuster deal arises, Green could be more expendable if Sengun’s trade value is higher.
There’s also the “dream scenario”—both players exceed expectations and earn their max contracts. However, given recent seasons’ performance, this might seem more optimistic than practical.
In conclusion, while Sengun is likely to secure a max deal, Green’s future remains uncertain and will largely depend on his performance this season. For now, fans and analysts will have to stay tuned, as the Rockets’ strategic decisions and player performances will shape the ultimate outcomes.
Comments