Nigerian-American basketball talent Josh Okogie has officially joined the Houston Rockets, securing a one-year contract valued at approximately ₦5 billion (about $3.1 million). The deal marks a new chapter in the 25-year-old’s NBA journey as he reunites with Nigerian-American head coach Ime Udoka, who has been steering a transformation in Houston since taking charge in April 2023.
Okogie, born in Lagos and raised in Georgia after relocating with his family at age three, has steadily built a solid NBA résumé. Selected 20th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he quickly gained recognition for his defensive intensity and adaptability on the wing. Over the course of seven seasons, the D’Tigers standout has featured in 416 games, posting an average of 6.3 points per game. He notched his career-best scoring performance—28 points—against the Boston Celtics in 2022.
Before this latest move, Okogie was part of the Phoenix Suns setup, where he played a supporting role behind stars like Kevin Durant. His performance against the Chicago Bulls even earned Durant’s praise for his sharp shooting from beyond the arc. However, following a trade to the Charlotte Hornets, he was waived shortly before his $7.7 million salary for the upcoming season would have been guaranteed.
Despite being waived, Okogie remains under contract with the Suns through 2026, represented by Klutch Sports, his management agency. Now on his way to Houston, he’s expected to bolster the Rockets’ wing defense alongside teammates like Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith.
This signing has drawn renewed attention to Okogie, both in the United States and Nigeria, where his contributions to the national basketball team, the D’Tigers, have earned him a dedicated following. With Udoka’s defensive philosophy taking root in Houston, Okogie’s arrival comes at a pivotal time as the Rockets aim to climb back into playoff contention.
