Ime Udoka Secures His Future with the Rockets: Long-Term Contract Extension
Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has reached an agreement for a long-term contract extension, solidifying himself as one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA.
This new agreement comes after a successful season in which Udoka guided Houston to its first top-two finish in the Western Conference in seven years. In his second season at the helm, the Rockets posted a 52-30 record and made their first playoff appearance since the 2019-20 season, although they were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
The Rockets’ management, represented by Tilman and Patrick Fertitta, along with general manager Rafael Stone, hired Udoka in 2023. Since then, they have built a relationship based on consistent progress and team sustainability.
Under Udoka’s direction, the Rockets have won 93 games, surpassing the 59 victories obtained in the three seasons prior to his arrival. Furthermore, Houston finished the season in fifth place in defensive efficiency, a significant improvement compared to the position in the bottom of the league in the 2022-23 season.
At the beginning of this month, the New York Knicks expressed their interest in talking to Udoka about his coaching position, but the Rockets denied the request.
Udoka joined the Rockets after being suspended and subsequently fired by the Boston Celtics during the 2022-23 season due to multiple violations of team rules. In his only season as Celtics coach in 2021-22, he led the team to the NBA Finals.
Udoka’s extension is another important move for the Rockets this month. Last week, the team renewed center Steven Adams’ contract for three years and $39 million. In addition, Houston has until June 29 to decide on guard Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. The team is also considered one of the preferred trade destinations for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.
