Houston Rockets

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Rockets and center Alperen Sengun agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract extension. There were questions if and when this would get done. However, it appears Houston made it a priority to extend Sengun on the same day the team also rewarded Jalen Green with a new deal. The 2021 No. 16 overall pick had easily the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. He's not the most proficient shot-blocker, something for category managers to consider. Sengun also logged only 63 games last season, so he'll need to stay on the floor more often throughout the 2024-25 campaign. If the 22-year-old can stay healthy, he has All-Star potential.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green received a big payday ahead of his fourth season in the NBA. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Green and the Rockets agreed on a three-year extension worth $106 million. The first year of the deal is worth $33.5 million, and the deal even includes a player option for the last year. Green has averaged 19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.4 threes, and 2.3 turnovers per game across three seasons in Houston. He'll look to lead a completely revamped team from when he was first drafted to their first playoff appearance since the 2019-20 season.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet signed a three-year deal with the team during the off-season in 2023 after spending seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors. When he got to Houston, they were showing that they were ready to move forward with their younger core but also wanted to start winning. So, VanVleet came in to play the veteran role to bring his younger teammates along. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, he said "I didn't come here to be a rental." VanVleet also stated he came to Houston for a long-term home and has a great relationship with all of his teammates. He has one more guaranteed season in his contract before a team option in 2025-26. With a $44.8 million price tag in that option year, the 30-year-old might have some negotiating to do if he remains in Houston while they try to retain their young core at the same time.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green is eligible for a contract extension. While there hasn't been an update regarding a potential deal, the 22-year-old doesn't seem too concerned. "My main focus is the season ahead of me with the players that we have," said Green in an interview. "Thats the main focus right now, and everything will work itself out." The 22-year-old has had his share of struggles since entering the league in 2021. However, he has still been productive for fantasy managers, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Without question, he has All-Star potential, and his durability is a bonus for fantasy managers despite his underwhelming accuracy from behind the arc. Green and the Rockets have until October 21 to come to terms on a new deal. If that doesn't happen, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick will be a restricted free agent next offseason.

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (hip) will miss Friday's contest against Portland. He gets the night off because of a right hip contusion after erupting for a season-high 42 points on Thursday versus Utah. VanVleet's absence will likely open the door for Aaron Holiday to join the starting unit, although Jalen Green and Amen Thompson will be the biggest beneficiaries in the situation. Both should get more playmaking opportunities and shots. Green ate up just 19 minutes on Thursday and should be eager to perform well in a favorable matchup.