Rockets Sign Second‑Round Pick Bruce Thornton to Four‑Year Deal

Overview

• Bruce Thornton officially signed his first NBA contract, the Rockets announced Tuesday after selecting him with the No. 31 pick.
• Reporters say the deal runs up to four years and about $9.3 million with only the 2026–27 season fully guaranteed and later years structured as non‑guaranteed team options.
• Thornton was a four‑year starter and captain at Ohio State, left as the program’s all‑time leading scorer and is noted for efficient shooting, a strong assist‑to‑turnover ratio, and physical play.
• The Rockets placed Thornton on their Las Vegas Summer League roster so he can begin integrating with the team and compete for a backup guard role.
• Houston used the second‑round pick exception to sign Thornton, a move that preserves salary flexibility as the club finalizes reported veteran deals that would raise its count of standard contracts.