Rockets sign multi-year contract extension with Stone!9.3 billion owners are satisfied with the rebuild: 6 youngsters have the potential to become All-Stars

On April 17, Beijing time, Woj reported that sources revealed that earlier this year, the Rockets had signed a multi-year contract extension with general manager Rafael Stone and deputy general manager Vitus. It's Rockets owner Fertitta rewarding the duo for their success in their rebuilding efforts.

Stone's main job includes selecting and developing young players such as Shin Kyung, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson, as well as signing VanVleet and Dillon and selecting Udoka as the Rockets' head coach. Udoka's arrival accelerated the team's development and led the Rockets from 22 wins last season to 41 wins this season.

In 2020, Stone was promoted to general manager of the Rockets, and Vitus joined management. Around the same time, Stone faced a trade request from James Harden, and in the end, he sent Harden to the Nets in exchange for three first-round picks, four first-round swap rights and an expiring contract.

Fagan, a rocket reporter for the Houston Chronicle, reported that Fertitta was happy with Stone's work. "I'm excited about where the Rockets are headed, having executed their plan, drafted and nurtured young cornerstones for the team, stabilized the team with veterans to win games, and found the right coach for the team now and in the future," the $9.3 billion owner said. ”

"A lot of teams don't have a real plan, but the Rockets have a real plan," Fertitta said, "and we've done a great job in the draft over the past three years, just look at our six youngsters, and they all have the potential to be All-Stars." We said that the fourth year (after reconstruction) would take off, and that's it. Putting this year's record in any previous year, we could have played in the playoffs, but the West has been too strong this year, we've won 41 wins and we need to do better next year to make the playoffs. ”

Compared to when Stone took over the Rockets, the team's roster has changed completely, and Tate was the only player on the team at that time. Stone still has a lot of work to do this offseason. With the Nets' first-round pick at this year's draft and up to 10 players on the team, Stone will need to look for other pieces of the puzzle.