The 2023 NBA Draft brought a lot of excitement, especially with Amen Thompson. He was picked by the Houston Rockets, showing his huge potential.
This piece looks at Amen Thompson’s journey, his achievements in the Overtime Elite league, and how his net worth has grown from a promising rookie into a franchise cornerstone earning nine figures.
Who is Amen Thompson?
Amen Thompson is a professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets, known for his athleticism, versatility, and two-way impact on the court. He entered the league as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and has since developed into one of Houston’s key young players, earning All-Defensive recognition and a major contract extension along the way.
He’s also one half of one of the NBA’s most talked-about sibling stories. His twin brother, Ausar Thompson, was selected one pick later in the same draft, making them the first twins in NBA history to be picked in the top five in the same year. Before turning pro, Amen built his reputation in the Overtime Elite (OTE) league, an alternative pathway for top high school prospects, where he earned All-OTE First Team honors and helped lead his team to a championship.
Where It All Started (Early Life)
Amen Thompson’s love for basketball began early. He and his twin brother Ausar spent many hours practicing together from a young age, work that helped prepare them both for their future in basketball. By the time Amen reached eighth grade, his family had relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so that he and Ausar could enroll at Pine Crest School and start high school basketball a year ahead of schedule.
At Pine Crest, Amen’s hard work and talent were clear to everyone keeping track of his development. He led his team to a state championship, and his performance in that title game — scoring over 40 points to help erase a big second-half deficit — became one of the defining moments of his high school career. These early years taught him the importance of teamwork and perseverance, lessons that helped him move from high school to the professional ranks via Overtime Elite.
Skipping College: His Rise Through Overtime Elite
Amen Thompson started his basketball career in the Overtime Elite (OTE) league. This league offers top high school players an alternative route to the NBA. During his time with OTE, Amen’s skills and potential were clear, earning him a spot on the All-OTE First Team in 2023. This honor made him a top choice for the NBA draft, and scouts wanted to see him play professionally — a promise he has more than delivered on since.
In the 2022-2023 OTE season, Amen Thompson scored 17.5 points, grabbed 7.2 rebounds, and dished out 6.3 assists per game. He also made 2.1 steals, showing his all-around skill. The year before, he scored 16.2 points, pulled down 6.9 rebounds, and handed out 5.8 assists per game, along with 1.9 steals — showing consistent performance and dedication to the game even before he turned pro.
As the 2023 draft got closer, his name kept rising on draft boards, and analysts viewed him as a potential top-10 pick.
Draft Night: Becoming a Houston Rocket
On draft night, Amen’s dream came true when the Houston Rockets picked him fourth overall — making him and Ausar, who went one pick later, the first twins in NBA history to be selected in the top five of the same draft. It was the start of his journey from promising prospect to NBA cornerstone.
That journey didn’t start without its challenges. An early ankle injury cost him time as a rookie, and he even spent a brief stretch in the G League working his way back into form. But once healthy, he pushed his way into the starting lineup and closed his rookie season by recording his first career triple-double. That growth trajectory has continued every season since, culminating in his 2026 contract extension with the franchise that drafted him.
From Rookie Numbers to NBA Highs
Amen Thompson’s development since entering the league has followed a clear upward curve. As a rookie in 2023-24, he averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while working his way into the starting lineup. By his third season, that had grown into career-high numbers of 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, and he also led the entire NBA in total minutes played that season.
His defense has been just as much a part of his story as his scoring. He shoots efficiently from the field — over 53% for his career — and his ability to guard multiple positions with his size and length has made him one of the more disruptive two-way players in his draft class.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Signs with Overtime Elite (OTE), bypassing his final year of high school |
| 2023 | Named to the All-OTE First Team; helps his team win the OTE championship |
| June 2023 | Selected 4th overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft |
| 2023-24 | Makes his NBA debut; overcomes an early ankle injury and a brief G League stint to close the season with his first career triple-double |
| 2024 | Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team |
| 2024-25 | Posts career-high numbers across the board; named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team |
| 2025-26 | Leads the NBA in total minutes played; sets new career highs in points, assists, and steals |
| September 2026 | Signs a 5-year, $208 million contract extension with the Rockets, running through 2031-32 |
What is Amen Thompson’s Net Worth?
Amen Thompson’s net worth is no longer a matter of projection — it’s backed by real, guaranteed money. Between his original rookie-scale contract and his new extension, he has secured long-term financial stability well beyond what most players his age have locked in, with further upside from incentives and endorsements still ahead of him.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Draft position | 4th overall, 2023 NBA Draft (Houston Rockets) |
| Rookie contract | 4-year, $40 million rookie-scale deal |
| Contract extension | 5-year, $208 million (signed September 2026) |
| Average annual value | ~$41.6 million per season |
| Extension runs through | 2031-32 season |
| Contract perks | Includes a 10% trade kicker |
| Endorsements | Nike shoe deal (signed as a rookie) |
Inside the $208 Million Deal
Amen Thompson’s rookie contract with the Rockets set a strong financial foundation. He signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $40 million after being drafted fourth overall, giving him a steady income base while he developed into a starter.
In September 2026, that foundation turned into a major payday. Thompson agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Rockets worth $208 million, carrying an average annual value of roughly $41.6 million and running through the 2031-32 season. The deal also includes a 10% trade kicker, a clause that would entitle him to extra compensation if he were ever traded. It’s a strong vote of confidence from the franchise, matching the percentage of Houston’s salary cap that fellow young star Alperen Şengün received on his own extension two years earlier.
Beyond the Court and Brand Deals
On the endorsement side, Thompson signed a shoe deal with Nike shortly after entering the league, joining his twin brother and several other top rookies from his draft class. He hasn’t stacked up a long list of additional endorsement deals beyond that yet, but given his rising profile and the new contract, more sponsorship interest is a realistic next step for him.
How Does He Stack Up Against NBA Superstars?
It’s natural to compare Amen Thompson’s financial trajectory to that of stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, or Giannis Antetokounmpo. His new extension’s $41.6 million average annual value is a significant jump from his rookie-scale deal, though it still sits below what those top-tier veterans currently command.
That said, the gap has narrowed considerably since his rookie days, and where his net worth goes from here depends largely on continued on-court growth. With his athleticism, defensive versatility, and improving playmaking, every extra year of production adds leverage for whatever comes after this current deal — including a future max contract.
Awards and Accolades: A Résumé Beyond His Years
Amen Thompson shines on the court with a growing list of awards. He made it to the All-OTE First Team and earned MVP and Player of the Year recognition in the OTE, making him a top star even before he reached the NBA. He also delivered a game-winning layup in the OTE Finals, showing an ability to perform under pressure that has carried over into his pro career.
That recognition has followed him into the NBA. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors after his debut season, and by his second year he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team — a notable achievement for a player still early in his career. He’s continued to deliver big moments at the NBA level too, including game-winning shots against top competition and career-high scoring performances as his role with Houston has expanded.
Double Trouble: Amen and Ausar’s Twin Connection
The basketball world is excited about the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar. They have caught the eye of fans and scouts. Growing up together, they have a strong bond that shines on the court.
Amen and Ausar Thompson come from the Overtime Elite (OTE) program. They show off their great chemistry and skills, making them a strong team. Their shared experiences and twin connection boost their teamwork and help them grow as NBA players. Amen is great at making plays, while Ausar is tough on defense — together, they prove they are key players for any team.
As Amen and Ausar rise in the basketball world, their story is getting more attention. Their teamwork, built over years, has already made them one of the most talked-about sibling duos in the league.
The Bottom Line
Amen Thompson is no longer just a name to watch — he’s a proven, well-paid cornerstone of the Houston Rockets. The 2023 NBA Draft made him a name to know, and his 2026 contract extension confirmed the franchise sees him as a long-term building block.
His skills and achievements show his talent and smart decision-making as a basketball player. Alongside his twin brother Ausar, the Thompson brothers continue to make a real impact in the NBA. With a $208 million contract, an existing Nike partnership, and a career still trending upward, Amen Thompson’s net worth has a solid foundation — and everyone is watching to see what he’ll do next.
