Ime Udoka Signs Long-Term Extension with Houston Rockets

Houston, TX — Ime Udoka has signed a long-term contract extension with the Houston Rockets, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

This new deal comes after Udoka guided the Rockets to their first top-two seed in the Western Conference in seven years. In his second season, the Rockets posted a record of 52-30 and made their first playoff appearance since the 2019-20 season, although they were eliminated in the first round.

Rockets ownership, led by Tilman Fertitta and Patrick Fertitta, along with general manager Rafael Stone, hired Udoka in 2023. The Rockets have made significant year-by-year progress under his leadership.

During Udoka’s tenure, the Rockets won 93 games, a drastic improvement from the 59 wins they accumulated over the three seasons prior to his arrival. The team also achieved a noteworthy fifth-place ranking in defensive efficiency this past season, a stark contrast to their position in the bottom five in the same category last year.

Previously, there was interest from another team in hiring Udoka, but Houston denied their request to interview him.

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. He previously led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his only season with them in 2021-22.

Udoka’s extension is part of a busy month for the Rockets as they also recently signed a center to a three-year, $39 million contract. The team faces a deadline on June 29 to decide on guard Kevin Porter Jr.’s $44.9 million team option. The Rockets are also in discussions regarding possible star player acquisitions.