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Amen And Ausar Thompson Sign Historic Rookie Extensions

PUBLISHED Sep 22, 2026, 10:52 AM ET

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Twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson have signed historic rookie-scale contract extensions totaling a combined $363 million, making NBA history. Ausar Thompson agreed to a five-year, $155 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, while Amen Thompson secured a five-year, $208 million extension with the Houston Rockets. The landmark financial milestone highlights the rising valuation of young talent across the league. In addition to the twins' historic commitments, the extensions create an immediate ripple effect on ongoing roster negotiations across the league, notably involving Jalen Duren's current contract stand-off with Detroit. Ausar Thompson's agreement follows an impressive defensive campaign in which he finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and led the NBA in steals per game, heavily influencing his valuation. Both rookie-scale extensions are officially finalized for the upcoming season.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 22 2023 Amen and Ausar Thompson entered the NBA together in the 2023 draft, with Amen selected fourth overall by the Houston Rockets and Ausar picked fifth by the Detroit Pistons.
On April 15 2025 Ausar Thompson earned All-Defensive First Team recognition and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting following a strong defensive campaign.
On September 3 2026 Amen Thompson officially agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with the Houston Rockets.
On September 18 2026 Ausar Thompson agreed to a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale contract extension with the Detroit Pistons, bringing the twins' combined new extension total to $363 million.
On September 22 2026 Both rookie-scale extensions stand finalized, making the Thompson twins the first brothers in NBA history to each secure a contract worth at least $100 million.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: The multi-million dollar deals immediately shape the ongoing market landscape for rookie-scale extensions and set baseline expectations for other rising restricted free agents across the NBA.
Possible long-term US impact: The agreements lock down foundational cornerstones for both franchises through the back half of the decade.
Most affected groups: NBA teams, Detroit Pistons roster management, Houston Rockets roster management, Basketball fans
Reader priority: Medium