Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, Bold Sports reports.
According to ESPN’s senior basketball insider Shams Charania, the deal is believed to be worth eight figures annually.
Ime Udoka’s tenure with the Rockets, which began in 2023, has been marked by significant improvement. He’s widely considered one of the league’s top coaches, having guided the team to 93 wins under his leadership, a stark contrast to the 59 wins accumulated in the three seasons before his arrival. Notably, he led the Rockets to a strong 53-30 record in the 2024-25 season.
Securing Udoka with a new deal was a priority for Rockets ownership, Tilman and Patrick Fertitta, and General Manager Rafael Stone. This move comes after Udoka, a former D’Tigers player, was reportedly targeted by the New York Knicks, who fired Tom Thibodeau after their recent playoff exit.
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Udoka initially joined the Rockets after being suspended and subsequently fired by the Boston Celtics, despite leading them to the NBA Finals the season prior.
The 2025-26 season is anticipated to be pivotal for both Udoka and the Rockets. The franchise has already re-signed center Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million deal.
They also face a key decision by June 29th regarding guard Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. Furthermore, the Rockets are rumored to be a potential destination for superstar Kevin Durant, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming season.
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