Durant helps the Rockets lock Ethan, Uduka is grateful, and Amen bluntly says that the defense is strong

Rockets fans have recently received reassurance that the farce of Tali Eason's contract extension is about to come to an end. The number one contributor to this being possible is Durant, who took the initiative to take a 30 million salary cut. Head coach Uduka publicly thanked him, and Amen Thompson even made it clear, saying that the team's defensive framework was now stable.

This matter has to start with Durant’s contract extension. The 37-year-old could have received a maximum salary of 120 million for two years, but he took the initiative to cut it to 90 million. This 30 million difference directly paved the way for the Rockets to renew Ethan's contract. You know, the same type of 3D forwards in the league have already skyrocketed. Jaden McDaniels got 136 million in 5 years, OG Anunoby got 160 million in 4 years, and the Rockets will most likely give Ethan 80 million in 4 years. The basic salary plus incentive clauses can reach up to 88 million, with an average of only 22 million a year. In the context of the new broadcast contract that is about to take effect, it is simply "cabbage price".

This money was well spent, and Ethan’s strength has long been recognized by the industry. By the 2024-25 season, he increased his playing time to 25 minutes, and his data also increased to 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals. His shooting percentage was 48.9%, and his three-point shooting percentage was also stable at 35.4%. What's more important is his defense. His defensive efficiency ranks among the top fifteen in the league. He can defend from position one to position four. He only allows his opponents to score 0.75 points per one-on-one defense on average. This kind of all-around defensive attribute is too scarce in today's league. Jabari Smith Jr. once said that Ethan is a lunatic who is desperate to play basketball. He will fight to the end even if he is injured. This kind of tough guy is exactly what Uduka wants.

Udoka was quite satisfied with this operation and expressed his gratitude in public: "From the moment Durant came here, I felt that he was willing to sacrifice for the team, and maybe he would really end his career in Texas." He also pointed out the key. Durant's salary reduction directly preserved the team's depth and made the championship puzzle more complete. Anyone familiar with Uduka knows that the core of his team building is defense and discipline, and Ethan's style of play perfectly fits this system. He has clearly said before, "It is a good thing to have an all-around wing defender like Ethan. He wants to compete for the starting spot, and we support it." This is not only an affirmation of the players, but also a message to the management. Now that the contract renewal is completed, Uduka's defensive system has a key piece of the puzzle.

In addition to the coaching staff, the happiest person is Amen Thompson. As the core of the team's backcourt, he made it clear: "The team has core defensive players like me, Jabari, and Ethan. Everyone can really devote themselves to defense, and I don't panic against anyone." He and Ethan have a tacit understanding. The two used to communicate before coming off the bench, just to increase the defensive intensity and speed up the game. Ethan's presence allows him to focus on his defensive area more confidently. What's more realistic is that Ethan's average salary of around 22 million also makes room for Amen's maximum salary extension next year. No wonder he turned from surprise to chuckle at the press conference.

Some people may ask, why is Ethan willing to accept this price? Just look at the market and you will understand. His three-point shooting percentage fluctuated for a while last season. The agent initially asked for 80 million for four years. In the eyes of teams with space such as the Spurs and Thunder, they want All-Stars more and will not pay high prices for role players. Moreover, players cannot afford to gamble on injuries. Ethan missed many games due to injuries last season. If there is another problem with his knee, the 20 million offer may be directly reduced to 5 million. Locking the contract in advance is actually the safest option.

This operation also makes the Rockets' salary structure particularly healthy. Shen Jing's new contract has an average annual salary of 35 million, plus Amen's future maximum salary, and Ethan's 22 million. Not counting Durant, the team's young core lineup adds up to only 132 million. Maybe there will be another mid-level player next year. Durant's move was too smart. A salary cut is not charity, but a short-term benefit in exchange for a championship window. He wants to win a fifth championship at the age of 38, and must seize these two years. And with Ethan as a frontline lock, the Rockets' defensive hardness has gone up to a higher level.

Now we are waiting for Tuesday's deadline. If Ethan's contract can be successfully sealed, the Rockets' championship framework will be completely established. With Durant in charge, Shen Jing carrying the flag in the paint, Amen controlling the backcourt, and Ethan the "defensive lunatic", the Rockets in the new season are indeed worth looking forward to. It has to be said that the cooperation between Stone and Durant this time is a textbook, using a veteran's concession in exchange for a team skeleton that has not changed for several years. This kind of operation is really not something that many in the league can do.