NBA Rumors: Alperen Şengün, Rockets Have 'Legitimate' Chance Of Contract Extension

Coming off a breakout season, Alperen Şengün is in talks with the Houston Rockets about a long-term contract extension.

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, there is a "legitimate chance" the Rockets get a deal done with their 22-year-old center before the Oct. 21 deadline.

Şengün drew interest from multiple teams around the league during the summer, but Rockets general manager Rafael Stone made it clear they had no interest in dealing him.

Speaking to reporters during Monday's media day, Şengün was asked about his contract talks with the club.

"We've been talking," he said. "I want to get the contract, and [the Rockets] are trying to negotiate with us and we're trying to negotiate with them. So, it's been good. We're going to make it work. We still have time, you know, and hopefully we can make it work."

Money could be a complicating factor in contract talks between Şengün and the Rockets. Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported in July that neither Şengün nor Jalen Green were likely to receive a max offer.

It can certainly be argued that Şengün has earned a max contract, especially compared to some of his fellow 2021 draftees who received that deal from their clubs.

Cade Cunningham (No. 1 pick), Evan Mobley (No. 3), Scottie Barnes (No. 4) and Franz Wagner (No. 5) all signed five-year, $224.2 million extensions this summer. Cunningham missed most of the 2022-23 season due to a shin injury. Wagner had his least-productive offensive season in 2023-24 with a 28.1 three-point percentage.

Teams are starting to be more mindful of how much money they are spending because of the new apron rules and the limitations imposed by going over the second apron.

The Rockets aren't necessarily in danger of hitting the second apron if Şengün gets a max deal. His salary in 2025-26 would be an estimated $38.7 million based on the contracts signed by other 2021 draftees, compared to $16.3 million if he played on the restricted free agent tender.

Houston is projected to be $82.2 million under the second apron in 2025-26 before factoring in a potential $38.7 million salary for Şengün.

Şengün finished third in Most Improved Player voting last season. He averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 61 starts.

The only other players who averaged at least 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists per game last season were Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić.