Rumor: Houston Rockets Are Non-Committal to Signing 2 Key Players to Long-Term Deals

One of the reasons for their respectable run this season is the performances of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. The two were drafted in the same draft and have become reliable pillars for their team. Green has established himself as a phenomenal scorer while Sengun is widely regarded as a poor man’s Nikola Jokic.

While many assumed that the Rockets would be eager to extend their stay in the team for longer, a recent update on the impending contract extensions for the two would provide enough reason for Houston fans to worry.

The Houston Rockets are hesitant to give Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun max rookie extensions

Sports Illustrated’s Kade Kimble revealed that Houston will not be extending the eligible max extensions worth more than $200 million to either Green or Sengun. He quoted The Athletic’s Kelly Iko for the report:

“At this stage, it’s unlikely either Şengün or Green receive max rookie extensions — both are eligible for a five-year deal worth up to $224.2 million, perThe Athletic’s salary cap expert Danny LeRoux,” Iko writes. “Houston has had conversations with both camps concerning an extension and will continue dialogue during the offseason, but the chances of either player inking an agreement in the realm of fellow 2021 draftees Cade Cunningham ($236 million) or Scottie Barnes (potentially up to $270 million) are slim.”

The Rockets know they cannot do away without the two players if they want to make a surprise push for the play-in tournament.

Jalen Green averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season as a reliable scoring weapon. He’s shown a knack for making tough shots and will be a valuable cog to the Rockets’ offense next season.

Like Green, Alperen Sengun blossomed into a tough matchup for opposing defenses. Last season, he made an impressive tally of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks a game. Sengun is the team’s offensive lynchpin, and the Rockets would mightily struggle without him.

It’s clear that the Houston Rockets have a plan with both players, but fans will be hoping that it doesn’t cost either of them leaving for greener pastures that are willing to pay them what they deserve.