The Golden State Warriors can cross Amen Thompson off the list.
With the team potentially sitting on more than $100 million to work with next offseason, Golden State has been expected to keep a sharp eye on rookie extensions and the young players who might eventually reach restricted free agency. Thompson looked like one of the most intriguing names on that board, especially with the East Bay native carrying obvious appeal as a possible homecoming target.
That path is now closed. Thompson agreed to a five-year, $208 million extension with the Houston Rockets, as first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday. The deal includes a 10% trade kicker.
Thompson, the former fourth overall pick, has taken a step forward in each of his first three seasons. Last year, he averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals. He also finished fifth and eighth in Defensive Player of the Year voting over the last two seasons, enough for Houston to commit to paying him more than $40 million annually even without major progress from beyond the arc.
He now becomes the second player from his draft class to land an extension, following former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. In both cases, the money left on the table underscores just how much the restrictive apron era has changed the market.
For the Warriors, Thompson would have been the kind of restricted free agent worth chasing if Houston had dragged its feet. He fit the profile Golden State could use: someone who could help Stephen Curry right away at age 38, while also fitting the long view as a future piece. He also had the tools to be a possible Draymond Green replacement - an elite defender who can handle the ball, make plays and doesn’t yet bring much from outside.
Even with Thompson gone, the Warriors’ attention won’t disappear. Over the next six weeks before the season starts, they’ll be watching other rookie extension situations around the league.
Ausar Thompson is one name to monitor, especially with the Detroit Pistons still working through Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency, which remains unresolved. Brandon Miller, the former second overall pick, is another as he seeks a major extension with the Charlotte Hornets.
Golden State has its own decisions coming, too. Brandin Podziemski could be in line for a deal worth more than $18 million per year. But with the Warriors’ projected cap space and their desire to keep flexibility, they may pass on an extension this offseason and let the former 19th overall pick head toward restricted free agency.
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