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Rockets Expected To Retain Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone; Will Discuss Long-Term Deal With Tari Eason
May 2, 2026
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone are expected to return to the team next season, sources told Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports. With back-to-back 50 win seasons, ownership remains confident in the duo. There is also a belief within ownership that with a healthy Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet, and Kevin Durant, the team is not far away from the Spurs or the Thunder.
The Rockets will be looking to make upgrades this summer. There was rumored regret for not making a move at the trade deadline for a guard or a big, and possible buyout additions remained with their current teams. Among the names the Rockets are interested in this summer include Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. The Rockets will also engage in long-term contract negotiations with Tari Eason and Amen Thompson this summer. With Eason a restricted free agent, the Rockets are expected to match any offers. Thompson will be eligible for a five-year, 252 million max deal. The Rockets will also speak with VanVleet over a possible long-term deal this summer. VanVleet currently has a 25 million player option.
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