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.
Yainer Diaz homered with two outs in the ninth inning and Framber Valdez pitched a three-hitter to lead the Houston Astros to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
THIS IS EL MATÍN. pic.twitter.com/Ynz9rAtiq8
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 31, 2025
The score was tied 1-1 entering the ninth. Garrett Cleavinger (0-1) struck out Jose Altuve and Christian Walker before Diaz sent a 98 mph sinker into the seats in right field to set off a wild celebration.
Valdez (5-4) gave up a homer to Jose Caballero in the first inning and tied a season high with nine strikeouts in his ninth career complete game and second this season.
Houston trailed 1-0 when Jake Meyers doubled to center field with no outs in the eighth inning and scored on Zach Dezenzo's single on a grounder. Dezenzo moved to second on a throwing error by second baseman Curtis Mead on the play.
Caballero homered on Valdez’s second pitch to give the Rays an early lead. The homer was just his second this season and the first since April 9.
Rays starter Ryan Pepiot allowed two hits in 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his second strong start after he threw seven scoreless innings in his last start.
Valdez retired 12 straight before Jonathan Aranda singled on a chopper to first base to start the fifth. Valdez got right back on track, striking out Danny Jansen before Mead grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Valdez sailed through the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, sitting down nine straight batters with three strikeouts.
Taylor Walls singled with one out in the ninth before Caballero walked. Walls was caught stealing third and Valdez retired Yandy Díaz on a groundout to complete his night.
Walker singled with two outs in the seventh to chase Pepiot. Kevin Kelly took over and was greeted with a single by Diaz. The Astros came away empty when Kelly struck out Cam Smith.
The home run by Diaz allowed Houston to rally after losing the series opener 13-3.
Valdez needed just 83 pitches to complete the game.
Rays RHP Zack Littell (4-5, 3.97 ERA) opposes Astros LHP Colton Gordon (0-0, 3.52) on Saturday.