Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Rockets Sign Ime Udoka To Long-Term Extension, Making Him One Of The NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Houston Rockets News & Analysis > Rockets Sign Ime Udoka To Long-Term Extension, Making Him One Of The NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches

Rockets Sign Ime Udoka To Long-Term Extension, Making Him One Of The NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches

Once suspended by Boston, Ime Udoka is now one of the NBA’s highest-paid coaches in Houston.

Vishwesha Kumar
Jun 19, 2025
3 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Ime Udoka’s basketball redemption arc is now complete and lucrative. On the heels of guiding the Houston Rockets to a 52-win campaign and securing their first top-two seed in seven years, Udoka has agreed to a long-term extension that will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

For a coach whose career was once in limbo after a suspension and dismissal from the Boston Celtics in 2023, this marks a triumphant turnaround.

Udoka’s extension comes after he led Houston to its best record since the James Harden era, transforming a 22-win team into a Western Conference powerhouse in just two seasons. 

In fact, the Rockets won more games under Udoka in two years (93) than they did in the three seasons prior to his arrival (59 combined). They also finished fifth in defensive efficiency, a dramatic turnaround from their bottom-five ranking in 2022-23.

The Rockets’ front office, led by owner Tilman Fertitta and GM Rafael Stone, had no hesitation when the New York Knicks reportedly expressed interest in speaking to Udoka about their vacant coaching position earlier this month. 

Houston flatly denied the request and followed up by offering Udoka a massive extension, locking down the architect of their revival for the foreseeable future.

The numbers behind the raise are staggering. Udoka’s original four-year, $28.5 million deal started at $6.75 million annually. 

Now, he’s in the eight-figure range yearly, which could net him over $40 million in just the next four years. It’s a significant leap and a deserved one, reflecting both his tactical brilliance and cultural impact in a young, evolving locker room.

The extension isn’t the only major move the Rockets have made this month. They also re-signed veteran center Steven Adams to a three-year, $39 million deal and are weighing Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option. 

Additionally, Houston has surfaced as one of Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destinations should the Suns entertain offers, signaling that the front office is ready to capitalize on its current momentum.

Udoka’s rise is symbolic not only of personal redemption but of the franchise’s rebirth. Once marred by dysfunction and rebuilding fatigue, the Rockets are now on the upswing, and Udoka is at the center of it all. His ability to instill defensive discipline, hold stars accountable, and mold young talent has completely altered Houston’s trajectory.

From a $2 million setback in Boston to a possible $40 million comeback in Houston, Udoka’s journey is a reminder that second chances, when earned, can be golden. With their coach now locked in and empowered, the Rockets aren’t just hoping to compete. They expect to win.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Houston Rockets ArchiveIme Udoka
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article John Salley On What Is Hardest Thing About Being Very Tall: “Your Heart Doesn’t Last As Long”
Next Article Desmond Bane Got ‘Happy Father’s Day’ Text Moments Before Grizzlies GM Traded Him
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Steve Kerr Took A Page From Phil Jackson’s Book To Avoid Contract Distractions During Warriors’ Season

October 3, 2025
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors

Russell Westbrook Likes Rockets IG Photo With Kevin Durant, Steven Adams; Big Reunion Upcoming?

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?