Could Houston Rockets lose Alperen Sengun sooner than expected?

Could Houston Rockets lose Alperen Sengun sooner than expected?

The Houston Rockets are reportedly making a questionable decision regarding the future of their roster's core.

Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have two of the highest ceilings in the Rockets' lineup, but the front office is hesitant to pay out maximum contract extensions to either, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.

“At this stage, it’s unlikely either Şengün or Green receive max rookie extensions — both are eligible for a five-year deal worth up to $224.2 million, per The Athletic’s salary cap expert Danny LeRoux," Iko wrote. "Houston has had conversations with both camps concerning an extension and will continue dialogue during the offseason, but the chances of either player inking an agreement in the realm of fellow 2021 draftees Cade Cunningham ($236 million) or Scottie Barnes (potentially up to $270 million) are slim.”

Seemingly every comment is questioning why the Rockets are on the fence about extending Sengun after averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5 assists on 53.7% shooting last season. He finished third in Most Improved Player voting behind guards Tyrese Maxey and Coby White.

Alternatively, waiting to view Green's progression in his fourth season is understandable. The 22-year-old never struggles to score at a high volume, but rather, the efficiency and surrounding skills are the concern. He went on a tear in the latter half of last season, consistently scoring more than 30 points on impressive shooting splits. Green and Sengun are under contract for the 2025 season but then become restricted free agents.