Contract extension: With new Rockets deal, Ime Udoka now among NBA's highest-paid coaches
Contract extension: With new Rockets deal, Ime Udoka now among NBA's highest-paid coaches Ime Udoka has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Rockets, which makes him one of the NBA's highest-paid head coaches. The deal was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Rockets have agreed to a contract extension with Ime Udoka that will make him one of the NBA's highest-paid head coaches, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The move was widely anticipated following Houston's clear on-court success and recent overtures from the New York Knicks.
Udoka, 47, has completed two years of the initial four-year contract that he signed in April 2023 to coach the Rockets. Precise terms of the extension were not immediately disclosed.
Salaries for NBA coaches have risen in the two-plus years since Udoka signed that first deal with the Rockets, and coaches rarely enter the final 'lame duck' year of their contracts. Thus, at some point prior to the 2026-27 season, it was inevitable that Udoka and the Rockets would enter into a new round of negotiations.
But with interest from the Knicks and Udoka coming off a season in which he finished third in Coach of the Year voting, there was enough leverage for the timetable to be moved up to 2025.
When Udoka took the Houston job in April 2023, the Rockets were coming off three straight seasons with 22 or fewer wins and a last-place spot (No. 15) in the Western Conference standings. All three of those teams were coached by Udoka's predecessor, Stephen Silas.
During Udoka's first season, Houston improved to 41-41 and No. 11 in the West. In his second season, the Rockets climbed to 52-30 and No. 2 in the standings. Despite having a relatively young roster, Udoka has taken what was previously a bad defensive team and molded them into one of the league's best.
The success speaks for itself, and Rockets ownership (led by Tilman Fertitta) is rewarding Udoka handsomely for a job well done.
More: 'You couldn't pay us enough': Stephen A. Smith relays Rockets' response to Ime Udoka rumor
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
John Calipari Sends Pointed Warning to Teams Ahead of NBA Draft
John Calipari Sends Pointed Warning to Teams Ahead of NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks are starting to prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season. After a very successful first season leading the program, Calipari is excited to turn the team into a legitimate contender. Advertisement During his first season with the Razorbacks, Calipari led the team to a 22-14 record. He helped guide them into the NCAA Tournament, where Arkansas made some noise. In the first round, the Razorbacks were able to defeat the No. 7-seeded Kansas Jayhawks by a final score of 79-72. They then knocked off Rick Pitino and No. 2 St. John's by a final score of 75-66. Sadly, their magical run ended at the hands of Texas Tech in the Sweet 16. One of the main players from Arkansas last season is a name to watch in the 2025 NBA draft next week. That player is none other than Adou Thiero. With that in mind, Calipari spoke out on Thursday during a segment on the "Pat McAfee Show." He sent a pointed message to NBA teams about his former star player. Advertisement "I wouldn't miss on Adou Thiero in this draft," Calipari said. "He can play in a physical game and athletically he's in that one percent. He's that good and he's a good kid." Throughout the course of the 2024-25 college basketball season, Thiero played in 27 games and made 26 starts. He averaged 15.1 points per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 54.5% from the floor and 25.6% from 3-point range. Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Chenault-Imagn Images Standing in at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Thiero has excellent size to go along with his elite athleticism. He will need to work on his perimeter shooting, but his game should translate well to the professional level. Advertisement It will be interesting to see where Thiero is drafted. ESPN's latest mock draft has him being selected with the third pick in the second round at No. 33 overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Only time will tell, but NBA teams will not be able to say that Calipari did not warn them about passing on Thiero if they choose to do so. Related: Arkansas Coach John Calipari Hints at Possible Future Retirement Plans on the Jim Rome Show This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
19 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
LA Lakers join list of teams being sold at ever-escalating prices
Associated Press The family-owned Los Angeles Lakers are about to be sold at a valuation of $10 billion, smashing the previous record for the purchase price for a team sport. The cross-country rival Boston Celtics went for $6.1 billion just three months ago. With team values soaring, there have been a number of notable franchise transactions in recent years: Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers have been in the Buss family since 1979, but Jeanie Buss has agreed to sell the NBA's most valuable franchise to L.A. Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Boston Celtics The Celtics, who won their record 18th NBA championship last year, went for $6.1 billion in March to private equity mogul Bill Chisholm. Washington Commanders Josh Harris, who with David Blitzer owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils, added to his sports portfolio in 2023 by purchasing the Commanders for a then-record $6.05 billion. Chelsea The English Premier League team went to a consortium fronted by Dodgers part owner Todd Boehly that also includes Walter in 2022 for $3.2 billion. Another $2.2 billion was pledged for infrastructure and associated teams. Denver Broncos The Walton-Penner ownership group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton bought the NFL team in 2022 for $4.65 billion. Phoenix Suns Mortgage executive Mat Ishbia purchased the team for a then-NBA record $4 billion in 2022. Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban sold the NBA franchise in 2023 for $3.5 billion to the Adelson family, which owns the Las Vegas Sands casino company. Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan agreed to sell his majority share in the NBA's Hornets in 2023 for $3 billion to Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. Schnall had a minority ownership in the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and Plotkin in the Hornets. recommended
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Game On, Vegas: NBA Summer League & PlayStation Creator Cup Return To Sin City
NBA 2K Summer League and PlayStation Creator Cup are making their highly anticipated return to Las Vegas, bringing together top basketball talent and gaming's biggest creators for an electrifying blend of sports and entertainment. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Sin City, this year's events promise high-energy matchups, immersive fan experiences, and the ultimate celebration of hoops during the NBA's offseason. NBA Summer League Is About To Heat Up The Court In Las Vegas The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer July is game time for basketball fans in Las Vegas! Advertisement Get ready as rookies, sophomores, and undrafted NBA players gear up to showcase their skills during the nearly two-week long NBA2K26 Summer League in Sin City. From July 10 to 20, 2025, fans can catch multiple games daily at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, along with a lineup of exciting events and activations. With different ticket and package options, you can create the fan experience you want, gaining access to unique inclusions, behind-the-scenes tours, meet and greets and more. PlayStation Creator Cup Is Also Returning To Las Vegas To Heat Up July Courtesy of the NBA The PlayStation NBA Creator Cup is also returning to the court in Las Vegas and promises to bring an exciting fusion of sports and creator culture. The basketball showdown, featuring top basketball content creators, will take place at The Pavilion at UNLV on Wednesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. Advertisement This year's event brings some of the top digital creators and basketball personalities to the court for an entertaining game, including SypherPK, YPK Raye, Carson Roney, Bree Green, Kris London, Cam Wilder, and D'Aydrian Harding. The Roster Mixes Former Collegiate Athletes, Social Media Stars, And Harlem Globetrotters On The Court The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer This year's roster features a diverse mix of talent - from Harlem Globetrotters to former college athletes, to social media stars. "Participating in the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup in Las Vegas is always a highlight of my summer,' said creator, YPK Raye. 'Bringing this energy to my hometown makes it even more meaningful plus it's a family-friendly event and a unique way for fans to connect with the creators they watch every day.' Advertisement Tickets to the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup are on sale now and just $20. NBA Summer League Builds Excitement For Next Season If you're a basketball fan or love catching NBA action, the NBA2K26 Summer League is a must-see. Watch multiple games daily and get a first look at the league's rising stars as they hit the court. Celebrating its 21st year in Las Vegas, NBA 2K26 Summer League brings all 30 teams together for nonstop hoops and high-energy fun. Each day of Summer League will have six to eight games. Each team will play at least four games during the 11 days of basketball excitement. After each team's first four games, the top four teams will continue to the playoffs. The two winning teams from the semifinals will compete in the final championship game, closing out the two-week event. Tickets Are Now On Sale For Games And Experiences In addition to all the excitement on the court, there will also be exciting experiences and a film festival to enjoy while visiting Las Vegas during Summer League. Advertisement July 17 to 19, the 2025 Summer League Film Festival will take place with daily screenings at the Strip View Pavilion inside the Thomas & Mack Center. Multiple experiences will also be available with specific ticket packages. Get a behind-the-scenes tour, enjoy the NBA Legends Dinner, on-court photo ops, and more are available for purchase. Tickets are currently on sale.
