The Houston Rockets have confirmed promising contract news. Before Friday’s league deadline, the team secured the rookie-scale team options for third-year guard Amen Thompson and second-year guard Reed Sheppard.
Both players play critical roles in Houston’s rotation. By activating their team options, the Rockets ensured that Thompson and Sheppard will remain under contract through the end of the 2026–2027 NBA season, unless traded beforehand.
Despite the exercised option, Thompson is expected to negotiate a long-term extension during the upcoming offseason. The situation mirrors last year, when Houston extended Jabari Smith Jr. shortly after picking up his option.
With point guard Fred VanVleet out, both Thompson and Sheppard have stepped into greater responsibilities this season.
Houston is currently ranked 19th in the NBA for defensive rating (116) and holds the highest offensive rating (125.2) after four games.
Houston keeps its core guards secured through 2027, betting on the continued rise of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to strengthen the team’s young foundation.