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.
