Houston operates with approximately $165 million in payroll building around young talent. Fred VanVleet leads the roster at $44.9 million annually as the veteran guard mentors one of the NBA’s most promising young cores.
Alperen Şengün ($17.4M), Jalen Green ($12.6M), and Jabari Smith Jr. ($9.8M) form the developing foundation. Dillon Brooks ($22.9M) and Steven Adams ($12.6M) provide veteran presence as Houston transitions from rebuild to playoff contention.
Check out the Houston Rockets players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers |
| Fred VanVleet | Jalen Green | Dillon Brooks | Jabari Smith Jr. | Alperen Şengün |
| Aaron Holiday | Reed Sheppard | Amen Thompson | Cam Whitmore | Steven Adams |
| David Roddy | Jeff Green | Jock Landale | ||
| Jack McVeigh | Jae’Sean Tate | N’Faly Dante | ||
| Tari Eason |
Houston Rockets Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
| Player | Position | Salary | Contract Through |
| Fred VanVleet | PG | $44.9M | 2026 |
| Dillon Brooks | SF | $22.9M | 2026 |
| Alperen Şengün | C | $17.4M | 2028 |
| Jalen Green | SG | $12.6M | 2025 |
| Steven Adams | C | $12.6M | 2025 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | PF | $9.8M | 2027 |
| Jock Landale | C | $8M | 2027 |
| Amen Thompson | SF | $6.5M | 2028 |
| Tari Eason | SF | $4.9M | 2028 |
| Reed Sheppard | PG | $7.7M | 2029 |
VanVleet earns $44.9 million through his three-year, $130 million deal signed in July 2023. The former NBA champion’s leadership and playmaking justify the investment despite age 30 making this Houston’s biggest financial commitment.
Brooks makes $22.9 million providing defensive intensity and three-point shooting. His four-year, $86 million contract offers wing depth through 2026. Şengün collected $17.4 million through his five-year, $185 million extension as Houston’s franchise center.
Green earned $12.6 million completing his rookie-scale contract before potential extension discussions.
His explosive scoring creates All-Star potential justifying maximum investment consideration. Smith makes $9.8 million as 2022 third pick developing into stretch four.
Fred VanVleet’s Massive Contract Leads Veteran Core
VanVleet accumulated $142 million building a $88 million net worth across Toronto and Houston. His undrafted journey to NBA champion created inspiring story.
VanVleet’s leadership and championship experience provide invaluable mentorship for Houston’s young roster.
Brooks earned $88 million creating a $54 million fortune across Memphis, Houston, and Memphis again. His defensive reputation and shooting justify consistent NBA employment.
Adams collected $168 million building a $105 million net worth across Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Memphis, and Houston spanning 12 seasons.
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| Player | Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Steven Adams | $12.6M | $168M | $105M | Nike |
| Fred VanVleet | $44.9M | $142M | $88M | And1, ANTA |
| Dillon Brooks | $22.9M | $88M | $54M | Adidas |
| Alperen Şengün | $17.4M | $38M | $22M | Nike |
| Jalen Green | $12.6M | $42M | $24M | Adidas |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | $9.8M | $22M | $13M | Nike |
Şengün earned $38 million building a $22 million fortune by age 22. Green collected $42 million creating a $24 million net worth entering extension eligibility. Smith accumulated $22 million building a $13 million net worth as top-three pick.
Rockets Salary Breakdown by Position
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Guards | $70M | Fred VanVleet | $44.9M |
| Forwards | $42M | Dillon Brooks | $22.9M |
| Centers | $38M | Alperen Şengün | $17.4M |
| Bench/Rotation | $15M | Jock Landale | $8M |
Guards consumed $70 million—42% of total payroll. VanVleet ($44.9M) dominates backcourt spending with Green ($12.6M) and Sheppard ($7.7M) providing young talent. Houston prioritizes perimeter shot creation and playmaking.
Forwards cost $42 million with Brooks ($22.9M), Smith ($9.8M), Thompson ($6.5M), and Eason ($4.9M). Centers totaled $38 million with Şengün ($17.4M), Adams ($12.6M), and Landale ($8M) splitting frontcourt minutes creating depth advantages.
Alperen Şengün Extension Secures Franchise Center
Şengün earns $17.4 million in the first year of his five-year, $185 million extension signed in October 2024. The Turkish center’s playmaking and scoring ability justify the investment as Houston’s long-term offensive hub.
His unique skillset combining post scoring, passing vision, and outside shooting creates offensive versatility. Şengün’s international experience and basketball IQ exceed typical young centers. Houston locked him through 2029 building around his facilitating big man archetype.
The extension reflects Houston’s belief in Şengün as All-NBA potential centerpiece. His development alongside Green and Smith determines Houston’s championship ceiling over the next decade.
Jalen Green Contract Situation and Extension Decision
Green earns just $12.6 million entering his final rookie-scale year before extension eligibility. His 25-point scoring average creates All-Star case justifying maximum contract consideration. Houston must decide extension value with concerns about efficiency and defense.
Smith makes $9.8 million developing into floor-spacing power forward. His defensive versatility and improving three-point shooting justify starting role. Amen Thompson collected $6.5 million as 2023 fourth pick showing elite athleticism and defensive potential.
Tari Eason earned $4.9 million offering high-energy wing defense as 2022 first-round pick. His hustle and rebounding create immediate impact despite limited offensive skills. Reed Sheppard makes $7.7 million as 2024 third pick representing latest lottery investment.
Dillon Brooks Provides Defensive Identity
Brooks earns $22.9 million through his four-year, $86 million deal signed in July 2023. His physical perimeter defense and corner three-point shooting fit Houston’s defensive-minded culture. Brooks’ intensity sets tone for young roster learning winning habits.
His reputation as agitator creates love-hate relationship with fans but coaches value defensive commitment. Brooks embraces villain role providing edge Houston’s rebuild lacked. His contract runs through 2026 providing veteran stability during competitive window.
FAQs
Who is Houston Rockets’ highest-paid player?
Fred VanVleet earns $44.9 million through his three-year, $130 million deal signed in July 2023 providing veteran leadership for young core.
What is Alperen Şengün’s extension worth?
Şengün signed a five-year, $185 million extension in October 2024 earning $17.4 million annually through 2029 as franchise center cornerstone.
Does Jalen Green have an extension?
Green earned $12.6 million completing his rookie-scale contract facing extension decisions with Houston evaluating All-Star potential versus efficiency concerns.
How much do Rockets spend on guards?
Houston allocated $70 million to guards representing 42% of total payroll led by VanVleet’s $44.9 million with Green and Sheppard providing young talent.
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