May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Last season ended in disappointment for the Houston Rockets, who suffered a first-round loss at the hands of a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers squad. After picking up Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, they are feeling good about their chances for success going forward, but it’s becoming increasingly clear who they value the most on that team.
Speaking on ‘The Hoop Collective,’ NBA insider Tim MacMahon revealed who is really at the top of the hierarchy in Houston: Amen Thompson. In the aftermath of his five-year, $208 million extension, he has the honor of being one of their few untradeable players, with internal analytics placing his value among the top 10 in the league.
“If there’s one untradeable player on the roster, it is him [Thompson],” said Tim MacMahon on the Hoop Collective. “According to their metrics, they think he’s one of the top 10 most valuable players in the league. I’m just telling you how they view him. So, for them to get a player they value that much on this deal is great value for them. For Amen Thompson: $208 million, fully guaranteed, and there are no options either way… he’s set for life. He wants to be in Houston, and he’s going to be in Houston.”
One might think that Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun are considered foundational pieces of the Rockets, but it seems they are not quite on the same level of job security as Amen Thompson, who has yet to make an All-Star roster.
With averages of 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game last season, Amen’s stats are relatively modest on paper, but his impact on the floor is undeniable. At 6’7″ with strong athleticism and elite defensive instincts, he does all the dirty work for Houston while fulfilling his duties as a key wing scorer. Those attributes are highly valued in the modern NBA, especially in the playoffs.
So, when it came time to negotiate a new extension this summer, Houston did not hesitate to meet his demands, believing that his production would more than make up for his contract. In fact, some would say he’ll be underpaid given that he accepted less than the max.
For the Rockets, it’s not just what Thompson has done that has earned their trust; it’s what he can become. With his combination of defense, ball handling, and playmaking, Houston believes he can be like a young Ben Simmons, who was considered one of the best players at his position at the time.
Ultimately, while the Rockets may not be as stacked as the Thunder or Spurs, they have enough talent and experience to keep up against any opponent. Plus, with budding young stars like Amen, they have reason to hope for a brighter future that will keep them competitive for years to come.
What that means for older veterans like Kevin Durant is unclear, but the Rockets have already chosen their side. If push comes to shove, they will build around their young duo (Thompson and Sengun) and let everything else fall into place.