Nuggets Extend Aaron Gordon's Contract While Rockets Secure Alperen Sengun And Jalen Green

The Denver Nuggets have secured their core by signing forward Aaron Gordon to a new four-year contract. This move was made just before Monday's extension deadline. Gordon played a key role in Denver's NBA championship victory in the 2022-23 season. He was the only veteran player to receive an extension at this deadline.

Eight players from the 2021 draft class also received rookie extensions. Among them, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets stood out. Sengun secured a five-year, $185 million deal, marking the largest contract among his peers. Green, the second overall pick in 2021, agreed to a three-year, $106 million extension.

Gordon's new agreement is essentially a three-year extension with a $37.1 million player option for 2028-29. The veteran has exercised a $22.8 million player option for 2025-26 as part of this deal. At 29 years old, he averaged 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds over 73 games last season and remains one of Denver's top defenders.

Sengun and Green are pivotal to the Rockets' progress, which saw them finish with a balanced 41-41 record in the 2023-24 season—a notable improvement of 19 wins from the previous year. Sengun had an impressive season, averaging career highs of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists per game.

Sengun was among six players who averaged at least 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists last season—joining stars like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid on that list.

Other Notable Extensions

Jalen Green has been consistent over his first three seasons with averages of 19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His total of 4,450 career points is unmatched by any other player from his draft class.

Apart from Houston's duo, other teams also extended contracts with young talents. Orlando Magic signed Jalen Suggs for five years at $150.5 million after his best season yet where he averaged 12.6 points per game while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc.

The Atlanta Hawks rewarded Jalen Johnson with a five-year deal worth $150 million following his breakout performance last season where he averaged16 points along with significant contributions in rebounds and assists.

Trey Murphy secured a four-year contract valued at $112 million with New Orleans Pelicans after excelling as their sixth man during their successful campaign finishing at49-33 last year.

Additional Rookie Deals

Several other players agreed to rookie-scale extensions including Corey Kispert (Washington Wizards) who signed for four years at$54 million; Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors) inked three years for$39million; Jaden Hardy (Dallas Mavericks) committed three years for$18million.

The Nuggets also extended Jamal Murray's contract earlier this off-season by offering him four years worth$208million ensuring they retain another key starter alongside Gordon moving forward into future seasons aiming towards continued success within NBA ranks.