Houston Exercises Team Options for Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard
The Houston Rockets received positive contract news as the team confirmed the exercise of rookie-scale team options for key young players. The announcement came from Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle just before Friday’s deadline.
The Rockets have picked up the options for third-year guard Amen Thompson and second-year guard Reed Sheppard. Both will stay under team control through the end of the 2026–2027 NBA season unless traded.
“Both players are key pieces to the Rockets’ rotation, and by exercising their option, they will remain with Houston until the conclusion of the 2026–2027 NBA season,” wrote Lerner.
Financially, Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, is set to earn $11.1 million during the 2026–2027 season. Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick from the 2023 draft, will receive $12.3 million in that same year.
While the team exercised its option on Thompson, he is anticipated to pursue a long-term extension in the upcoming offseason. The Rockets followed a similar pattern last year when they picked up Jabari Smith Jr.'s option before extending his contract later that summer.
Performance and Roles This Season
Due to Fred VanVleet’s absence, both Thompson and Sheppard have taken on larger responsibilities in Houston’s rotation. Thompson has started every game, averaging:
- 33.5 minutes per game
- 14.5 points
- 5.3 rebounds
- 5.3 assists
- 2.5 turnovers
Sheppard’s contributions include:
- 22.5 minutes per game
- 10 points
- 3.3 rebounds
- 3.5 assists
- 1.8 turnovers
Team Outlook
Through the first four games, the Rockets hold a 19th-place defensive rating of 116 but lead the league with an impressive offensive rating of 125.2. Houston’s young core continues to develop strong chemistry and effectiveness on both ends of the court.
Author’s summary: Houston secures its future core by extending Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard through 2027, highlighting their growing importance in the team’s strong offensive start.