Rockets reward Sengun with 5-year, $185M extension
The Houston Rockets are signing center Alperen Sengun to a five-year, $185-million rookie-scale extension, his representation told ESPN's Bobby Marks.
The final year of Sengun's deal is a player option, according to Marks. He becomes the first player to sign a five-year rookie extension with a player option since Luka Doncic and Trae Young.
The 22-year-old will earn around $34 million in 2025-26, with increases every season, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.
Sengun had a breakout third season, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 steals. He finished third in Most Improved Player voting behind runner-up Coby White and winner Tyrese Maxey.
He missed the final 18 games of the season due to a sprained ankle and a bone bruise on his knee.
Sengun was one of six players to average at least 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists last season, joining Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Julius Randle.
The Rockets improved by 19 wins last season, finishing with a 41-41 record. However, Houston missed the playoffs for a fourth straight campaign.
Houston acquired Sengun with the 16th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Turkish product played one season with Besiktas, winning MVP of the Basketball Super League as an 18-year-old.
The Rockets also signed Jalen Green, the No. 2 pick from the 2021 draft, to a three-year, $106-million contract extension earlier Monday.