Houston Rockets agree to contract extension with polarizing player
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
17 October 2022
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
The Houston Rockets were rumored to be in contract discussions with Kevin Porter Jr. this during the offseason and with just a few days left before the season opener, a 4-year deal was agreed upon for $82.5 million.
Extension has a unique structure that allows for significant upside for Porter Jr. and protections for the Rockets. The Rockets have invested tremendous time and energy into Porter Jr., on and off court and they’re showing a commitment to keep developing him as a cornerstone.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 17, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr's time with the Rockets hasn't been perfect and there have been some issues on and off the court. The fact the Rockets negotiated the deal to give themselves protection if things go sideways, should ease the concerns of Rockets fans. Multiple sources are reporting that only the first year of the deal is guaranteed.
NBA source confirms Kevin Porter Jr has agreed to a four-year extension worth $82.5 million. The first year is fully guaranteed, with partial guarantees throughout the contract. Kevin potentially tied to the Rockets for five years counting this season. First reported by @wojespn
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 17, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. averaged over 15/PPG last season for the Rockets, and looks to be an important young piece for the franchise moving forward.
Up next: The Houston Rockets begin their season this Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Houston Rockets are coming off their ninth-straight win and are now officially challenging the Golden State Warriors. Houston is currently only a half game behind the Warriors and could knock them out of the play-in.
In the video above, Stephen A. Smith makes his case that the Rockets are beneficiaries of someone in the Celtics organization that was out to ruin coach Ime Udoka's career.
Also, he discusses how Jalen Green playing with his hair on fire, and the Rockets are executing at an elite level in the month of March. Smith believes this is all because of Udoka and the culture he's building in Houston.
Stephen A. finishes the video with a warning to the league: “The Rockets are coming. And it's because of Ime Udoka. Remember I said that.”
Be sure to watch the short video above for the full discussion.
Editor's note: Stephen A.'s video was recorded before the Rockets won their ninth-straight game on Monday night.