Rockets pick up contract options on Jalen Green, other 2021 first-round draft picks

To no one’s surprise, the Houston Rockets are reportedly picking up the third-year contract options on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and the remainder of Houston’s 2021 first-round draft class.

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, who cited a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking, the move is a customary step — particularly for Green, Sengun and Josh Christopher, who were already key members of Houston’s rotation as rookies. After all, the salary each is on, due to the NBA’s rookie-scale system, is much less than he could likely get on the open market.

However, it is worth noting the move shows at least some confidence in second-year prospect Usman Garuba, who didn’t play much as a rookie due to various injuries. Clearly, general manager Rafael Stone and the Rockets still see desirable talent there.

The third-year (2023-24) contract figures for each of the four players are $9.9 million for Green, as the No. 2 overall pick; $3.5 million for Sengun (No. 16); $2.6 million for Garuba (No. 23); and $2.5 million for Christopher (No. 24). Each salary is tied to his draft slot.

The ongoing preseason could be a key opportunity for Garuba to make an impression after missing much of his rookie campaign in 2021-22. The Rockets resume their exhibition slate when Toronto visits Toyota Center on Friday, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Central.

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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire