Overview
- Multiple outlets reported over the weekend that Houston plans to sign Thompson to a rookie extension worth more than $250 million over five years, citing The Athletic's reporting.
- The 23-year-old guard posted 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 2025-26 and made the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
- Houston's 2026-27 payroll sits at about $184.9 million before the new deal, and adding Thompson at roughly $50 million per year would push it past $200 million.
- Restricted free agent Tari Eason looms as a key decision because a new contract for him could further tighten options to add help.
- General manager Rafael Stone has signaled a preference to keep the core intact, as the Rockets target more shooting with the mid-level exception and other smaller tools after a first-round loss to the Lakers.