Overview
- Houston finalized the decisions on the Oct. 31 league deadline, locking in Thompson at about $12.3 million and Sheppard at roughly $11.1 million for 2026–27.
- Thompson becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension next offseason after earning All-Defensive first-team honors in 2024–25.
- Sheppard’s rookie deal still includes a 2027–28 team option that must be decided next fall.
- With Fred VanVleet out after a preseason ACL tear, Thompson has started at point guard and Sheppard has taken on more minutes to open 2025–26.
- Through four games, Thompson is averaging 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 33.5 minutes, Sheppard is at 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 22.5 minutes, and the Rockets lead the NBA in offensive rating (125.2) but sit 19th in defense (116).