Fans split as Rockets hand superstar first round draft pick a HUGE $208 million contract: ‘Biggest overpay’
NBA fans have been left split after the Houston Rockets handed former top-five draft pick Amen Thompson a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported on Thursday that the franchise had locked down the 23-year-old on a lucrative deal that includes a 10 percent trade kicker.
However, the staggering figures behind the deal triggered debate across social media, with rival supporters taking aim at Thompson’s shooting struggles last year.
‘208 and no jumper,’ one fan replied under the announcement. While another wrote: ‘Paying a guard that kind of money when he can’t even shoot is insane.’
However, other fans suggested that Thompson was deserving of the blockbuster deal after his impressive displays for Houston last season.
The 23-year-old led the NBA in minutes played last season, while also averaging a career high in points (18.3), assists (5.3) and steals (1.5).
One fan wrote: ‘100% earned. Has been ascending for a bit now and showed a lot of value during his performances in the Lakers series despite being on the wrong end.
‘Scored well throughout the entire series, played a ton of minutes, and important defensive impact every night,’ they further added.
Furthermore, last season Thompson was among nine players to average at least 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Rockets star was the youngest of the group, joining the likes of Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum in achieving the feat.
Thompson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft – just one spot ahead of his twin brother Ausar who plays for the Detroit Pistons.
More to follow…
