Houston Rockets Sources told ESPN on Thursday that coach Ime Udoka has agreed to expand a long -term contract that makes it one of the most paid coaches in NBA.

Udoka’s new deal comes after Houston directed Houston to its first top-two seeds in the west in seven years. In the second season of Udoka, the team went at 52-30 and made its first playoff attendance since 2019-20, knock out in the first round Golden State Warriors In seven games.

Rockets owned, Tilman and Patrick Fortitta, and General Manager Rafael Stone hired Udoka in 2023, and the sides have partnered on progress and stability by the sides.

Houston has won 93 games under Udoka, after winning a total of 59 games in three sessions before coming, and finished fifth in defensive skills this season. Rockets ranked in the lower five in defensive efficiency in 2022-23.

new York Knicks Sources told ESPN earlier this month that he had expressed interest in speaking with Udoka about his head coaching situation, but Houston refused to request.

Udoka joined rockets when he was suspended and finally fired Boston Celtics During the 2022-23 season for several violations of team rules. He led Celtics in the NBA final in his only season as his coach in 2021-22.

The expansion of Udoka is another major piece of business for rockets this month. They Re -signed Center Steven adams For three years last week, a contract of $ 39 million. Houston also has to decide on guards till 29 June Fred Wanwett$ 44.9 million team options, and the team is considered one Phoenix Sun star Kevin Duunt‘S Favorite business sitesSources had earlier told ESPN.