
Rockets Secure Defensive Weapon Josh Okogie: Could This Be the Missing Piece to Their Championship Puzzle?
Okogie, 27 and a seven-year NBA veteran, is a plus defender on the wing, and that has always been the calling card for the former Georgia Tech standout However, his offensive limitations — he’s a career 29.9% shooter from 3, although that has looked better for stretches of late, like last season in Phoenix — have kept him in smaller roles Last season he started with the Suns but was traded to Charlotte at the deadline as part of the Nick Richards deal Charlotte looked for a trade for Okogie, he had a .7 million team option for this season, but couldn’t find one, so he was waived That made him a free agent and the Rockets swooped in.
The Rockets have Amen Thompson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tari Eason, and now Okogie as wing defenders — that might be the most Ime Udoka group of wings in the league. With the Rockets, Okogie will get minutes this season and open looks on offense, giving himself a real chance to boost his stock. Okogie brings the Rockets to 14 players with guaranteed contracts, but the team is hard-capped at the first apron of the luxury tax and will not be able to sign a 15th player until well into the season, when a pro-rated contract amount will drop below the money they have available.
The Rockets have agreed to terms with veteran wing Josh Okogie on a one-year, .1 million veteran minimum contract, as first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, then essentially confirmed by Okogie himself.— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) July 22, 2025
The Houston Rockets have built a contender from the defensive end of the floor out, and this signing fits right in that mold — Houston is deep with quality defensive wings.Houston’s defense-first blueprint is shaping up into something pretty formidable, and bringing Josh Okogie on board just underscores that commitment. The Rockets aren’t messing around — they’ve scooped up the defensive-minded wing on a savvy one-year, .1 million deal, locking in a gritty veteran who thrives on stifling opponents. Okogie, a 27-year-old with seven NBA seasons under his belt, has always been prized for his tenacious perimeter defense, even if his shooting hasn’t quite kept pace. Last season’s trades and waived contracts might’ve left some questioning his offensive game, but Houston sees exactly what so many other teams want — a relentless defender with room to grow offensively when given the chance. Stacked alongside Amen Thompson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tari Eason, Okogie’s addition turns Houston’s wing defense into one of the most intimidating lineups you’ll see this year. With limited roster spots left under the luxury tax apron, the Rockets are playing it tight — but this move might just be the defensive spark their lineup needs. LEARN MOREHouston, we have a problem. 🚀🤘🏽
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