Alperen Sengun secures record-breaking $185M contract with Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun walks onto the field in Houston, Texas, on October 22, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @alperen.sengun)
Alperen Sengun, a key player for the Houston Rockets, signed a five-year contract extension worth $185 million, marking the highest contract ever signed by a Turkish athlete.
This new deal, which runs through the 2029-2030 NBA season, includes a player option in the final year, a rare clause that places Sengun in the same category as players like Luka Doncic and Trae Young, who have also secured rookie extensions with player options in their final year.
Houston commits to Alperen Sengun’s long-term future with 5-year deal
The Rockets and Sengun finalized this contract just before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. According to ESPN, Sengun’s extension was the result of months of negotiation and was sealed right before the season opener.
Sengun, who was drafted 16th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has made significant strides in his career, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season. His strong performances contributed significantly to Houston’s 19-game improvement, cementing his position as a cornerstone of the team.
While Alperen Sengun was eligible for a maximum rookie extension worth $225 million, the Rockets managed to secure him at $185 million. His new annual salary of approximately $37 million allows the team to retain flexibility in pursuing additional players while keeping their key figure on the roster.
ESPN reported that this financial arrangement aligns with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which makes these large contracts more manageable.
Alperen Sengun becomes highest-paid Turkish athlete in history
Sengun’s deal sets a new record for the highest contract in Turkish sports history. ESPN’s Bobby Marks confirmed that the contract includes a crucial player option in its final year, a feature Sengun shares with elite NBA players like Doncic and Young.
Last season, Sengun came close to being selected for the NBA All-Star team, narrowly missing the cut. Over his three seasons with the Rockets, he has played in 210 games, starting in 148, with career averages of 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. These figures reflect his growing importance in both the team and the league.
Houston’s future strategy centered around Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green
With Sengun and his teammate Jalen Green, both locked into new contracts, Houston’s front office can now shift its focus to further strengthening the team. Green also signed a contract extension recently, securing his place with the team for the next three years.
The Rockets are set to begin their season on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, with Alperen Sengun expected to start alongside Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Sengun sets records with historic performance for Rockets
The historic contract signed by Alperen Sengun with the Houston Rockets is the result of his remarkable success with the team. Nicknamed “Baby Jokic” during his rookie and sophomore seasons, Sengun managed to make a name for himself in his third NBA season, earning praise from many elite players, including LeBron James
In a historic outing on March 6, Alperen Sengun delivered an incredible performance against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring a career-high 45 points. This achievement makes him the highest-scoring Turkish player in a single NBA game.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Sengun showcased his versatility by recording 15 rebounds and five steals. With this remarkable stat line, he became the youngest player in NBA history to accomplish the feat of 45+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a single game.
This performance further solidifies Sengun’s status as one of the league’s rising stars and highlights his potential to become a cornerstone of the Rockets’ future. Throughout the season, he has amassed several other notable achievements, including reaching 500 career assists faster than any other center in NBA history, surpassing the previous record held by Nikola Jokic.
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