Amid a renaissance season, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone signed a multiyear contract extension earlier this year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta rewarded Stone and his assistant GM Eli Witus with extensions for a series of organizational successes, including the drafting and development of young players such as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson; free agent signings such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks; and the hiring of coach Ime Udoka, sources said.
Udoka’s arrival accelerated the development of the roster and led the Rockets to the league’s biggest turnaround — from 22 victories to 41 this season. The Rockets completed a .500 season playing six players 22 years old or younger — all of whom were starting or contributing last season.
Stone was promoted to GM in 2020 upon Daryl Morey’s departure for the Philadelphia 76ers — with Witus moving up in the front office simultaneously. Almost immediately, Stone was faced with the James Harden trade request and moved him for expiring contracts, three first-round picks and four first-round picks swaps with the Brooklyn Nets.
