Houston Rockets agree to contract extension with polarizing player
LET'S MAKE A DEAL
17 October 2022
Rockets secure extension with Kevin Porter Jr. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images.
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.
Houston Rockets add elite shooter by taking Kentucky's Reed Sheppard at No. 3 overall
Jun 26, 2024, 8:56 pm
The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, adding an elite long-range shooter to their young team.
The guard, who spent one season at Kentucky, was the first American taken in this year's draft after French players Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were selected by Atlanta and Washington with the top two picks.
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals while appearing in 33 games for the Wildcats. He shot 52.1% from 3-point range and made 83.1% of his free throws. He was the only player in the nation last season to have at least 145 assists, 80 steals and make at least 75 3-pointers.
Got our guy 👏@reed_sheppard | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/0u20ejZczL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 27, 2024
Sheppard became the second player in school history to have at least 80 steals in a season despite starting just five games. It’s the 17th consecutive year that Kentucky has had at least one player selected in the NBA draft.
At 6-foot-2 and 182 pounds, Sheppard is among the smallest players in this year's draft, but is also thought by many draft analysts to be the best shooter. He turned 20 on Monday.
Sheppard is the latest high draft pick to join the rebuilding Rockets in recent years. They took Amen Thompson fourth last year after adding Jabari Smith Jr. with the third pick in 2022 and Jalen Green second in 2021.
The Rockets missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season this year but made a significant jump in their first year under coach Ime Udoka after adding veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Houston went 41-41 after winning just 17, 20 and 22 games in the previous three seasons.
.@Reed_sheppard 🤝 @JalenGreen #NBADraft | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/WkOdNXbCZs
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 27, 2024
