US reporter: Rockets star Armen Thompson is expected to sign a 5-year, $250 million contract extension this summer.

According to a report by TA reporter Sam Amick on Saturday, Houston Rockets star Armen Thompson is expected to sign a five-year contract extension worth more than $250 million this summer.

The 23-year-old Armen is a 2.01-meter tall, 91-kilogram guard who was selected by the Rockets with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. So far this season, he has played 79 regular season games for the Rockets, averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 37.4 minutes per game, helping the team advance to the playoffs with a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference.

However, the Rockets were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs, which concluded yesterday. Amen played in all six playoff games, averaging 19.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 interceptions, and 2.0 steals in 44.0 minutes per game.

It is understood that Amen's rookie contract expires after the 2026/27 season. If Amick's reports are confirmed, this contract extension will bring Amen's annual salary to $50 million.

It is widely believed that the Rockets' move aims to solidify Amen's core position by signing him to a long-term, maximum-salary contract. Since entering the NBA in 2023, Amen has played 210 regular-season games for the Rockets, averaging 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31.3 minutes per game, and was selected to the 2024/25 NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Amick further pointed out that the Rockets have been granted permission to continue strengthening their roster and retain their current core for next season. However, their financial situation will inevitably face significant pressure after signing Amick to a max contract extension.

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