Aaron Gordon, Alperun Sengun, and Jalen Green were among several key players who chose to stay with their respective teams just one day before the 2024-25 NBA season opens.
The high-leaping Gordon reportedly signed a four-year, $133 million contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, top NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has agreed to a four-year, $133 million contract extension with the franchise, with a player option in 2028-29 and a trade kicker, Klutch Sports’ Calvin Andrews and Rich Paul, and Elise Gordon told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/MZWDnt1kCC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2024
Denver’s decision to keep Gordon for a long-term deal means the quartet of him, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. will be intact at least through the 2026-27 season.
The 29-year-old is entering his 11th NBA season and averaged 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, as the Nuggets got bounced in the semifinal round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in seven games.
Gordon’s all-around game was a key complement to Jokic, a three-time league MVP, in the Nuggets 2023 championship run.
Sengun and Green also got their big payday that assured the duo will be part of the Houston Rockets' future plans.
Per NBA insider Bobby Marks, Sengun agreed to sign a five-year, $185-million rookie extension that will keep the Turkish big man in a Rocket uniform for the foreseeable future.
Breaking: The Houston Rockets and center Alperen Sengun have agreed on a five-year, $185 million rookie extension, his agents told @BobbyMarks42.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 21, 2024
The contract includes a player option in the last year. pic.twitter.com/aRFEnqmjsF
The 22-year-old is coming off his best year after last season after logging a career-best 21.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists in 63 games last season.
This came after the reports indicating Fil-Am guard Jalen Green signed a three-year, $106-million extension to remain in H-Town per Charania.
Jalen Green and the Rockets have agreed to a three-year, $106M rookie extension, per @ShamsCharania and @BobbyMarks42 pic.twitter.com/k4gTlo3m90
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 21, 2024
The second overall pick in the 2021 draft played 82 games last season and normed 19.6 markers, 5.2 boards, and 3.5 dimes to help the Rockets make a 19-game improvement from the previous season.
Both Green and Sengun are pivotal pieces of the up-and-coming Rocket squad that also features lottery selections Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and rookie Reed Sheppard.
In addition to teaming up with veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Houston is eyeing to make a significant leap this season with hopes of contending for a playoff spot in a loaded Western Conference.
Furthermore, the New Orleans Pelicans and Trey Murphy have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the franchise.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III has agreed on a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XgRPSFIhP4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
The 24-year-old 3-and-D player logged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 57 games last season while shooting a career-best 39.2 % clip from downtown.
New Orleans was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs last season by West top seed OKC Thunder, but revamped in the offseason by acquiring Dejounte Murray via trade.
[ALSO READ: Reports: Pelicans acquire Dejounte Murray in blockbuster trade with Hawks]
With four former All-Stars in their squad now in Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Murray, the Pelicans are now seen as one of the dark horses in the title race.
Meanwhile, in the East, the Orlando Magic have announced the signing of defensive stalwart Jalen Suggs with the reported new deal amounting to $150.5 million through five years.
yeahhhhh @jalensuggs pic.twitter.com/sQLyL25t8l
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 21, 2024
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has agreed to a five-year, $150.5 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. Massive new deal for the 2024 NBA All-Defensive team member. pic.twitter.com/7d3LrjcTRG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Suggs was instrumental to the rise of a young Magic squad last season, who made their first postseason appearance in four years as the no. 5 seed before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round in seven games.
The fifth overall pick in the 2021 Draft earned an All-Defensive Second Team selection last season and averaged 11.5 points 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 176 games in total.
In Atlanta, the Hawks are locking in Jalen Johnson through a reported five-year, $150 million extension--as posted by Charania.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has agreed to a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and representative Lucas Newton told ESPN. Major new deal for Atlanta’s young cornerstone. pic.twitter.com/bzlK7SCQNg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Johnson emerged as a solid starter for the Hawks, putting up a career-high 16 points per game and 8.7 rebounds in 56 games last season.
With his increasing play, Johnson blossomed as one of the most dynamic players in the league while being a complement piece around superstar teammate Trae Young.
Elsewhere, Corey Kispert reportedly agreed to a deal to stay as a Washington Wizard under a four-year deal worth $54 million.
Washington Wizards F Corey Kispert has agreed to a four-year, $54 million contract extension, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of Priority Sports told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/dbzTb77Epm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy also reportedly signed a three-year, $18 million extension with the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy has agreed to a three-year, $18 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Hardy, 22, has averaged 7.9 points during his two seasons in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/yCFKXF5hrd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
