The Houston Rockets have signed free agent wing Josh Okogie to a one-year contract reportedly worth $3.1 million, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. This deal suggests that it meets the league’s minimum salary threshold.
Josh Okogie, who will celebrate his 27th birthday this September, began the 2024/25 season with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a deal involving Nick Richards. Over the course of the season, Okogie played in 40 games across both teams, starting seven of them, and averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.3% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range, and 74.1% from the free-throw line.
Okogie is recognized for his skills as a versatile perimeter defender, and he showcased strong on/off court splits during his time with the Hornets. His presence on the court contributed to a positive +2.6 net rating, while the team struggled with a -13.7 rating in the minutes when he was absent.
Originally, Okogie had a contract with Charlotte that included a guaranteed salary of $7.75 million for the 2025/26 season, contingent on him remaining with the team until June 30. However, after failing to find a trade and subsequently getting waived, he was picked up by the Rockets.
To make room for Okogie, the Rockets recently waived Jeenathan Williams, thereby reducing their team salary to approximately $3.6 million below the first tax apron. This strategic move allows Houston to add Okogie while still retaining room for a potential 15th roster spot later in the season, highlighting the team’s commitment to bring in defensive talent.
This addition of Okogie provides the Rockets with a promising opportunity to strengthen their wing defense, creating an optimistic outlook for the team’s defensive strategies moving forward.