Houston Rockets Exercise Club Options On Pair Of Talented Wings

On Friday, the Houston Rockets guaranteed the 2022-2023 contracts of forwards Kenyon Martin Jr. and Garrison Mathews. The team had until June of this year to exercise its options on each player.

Mathews signed a four-year, $8.23 million contract with the Rockets back on December 18, 2021. He was originally signed to a two-way contract on October 18, 2021 after being claimed off of waivers. Mathews, 25, has a base salary of $2 million.

Martin signed a four-year, $6.13 million contract with the Rockets back on November 30, 2020. Martin was originally drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 52nd pick in the draft but then was traded to the Rockets.

The team made creative use of its mid-level exception in each of the last two seasons in securing the two players to respective four year contracts. Now both Mathews and Martin are critical pieces of the Rockets’ rotation and figure to be long-term fixtures with the team. As of today, the pair projects to be the team’s full small forward rotation heading into the 2022-2023 season.

Rather than using the full mid-level exception on one veteran player, breaking it up, as the Rockets did with the Martin and Mathews contracts, with non-guaranteed amounts owed in the latter years, allows a rebuilding team like Houston to take low-risk fliers on intriguing young talent. These specific gambles in particular have paid off.

Mathews is averaging 11.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game for the Rockets, shooting 36.5% from 3 on 6.3 attempts. His ability to shoot on the move and set up from a few feet beyond the three-point line makes him a unique piece in the Rockets’ offense. Per cleaningtheglass.com, Mathews is a member of all four of Houston’s top lineups in offensive rating.

Martin has averaged 8.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 52.9% shooting from the field. After a bumpy start to the season, Martin is now shooting 34.8% on 3s. He shot 36.5% from 3 last season in his rookie campaign, providing hope that in addition to his athletic gifts, he could also be a floor spacer in this league.

The subsequent seasons on each of Mathews’ and Martin’s contracts are also non-guaranteed with team options. Mathews can earn $2 million in 2023-2024 and $2.23 million in 2024-2025. Martin will earn $1.78 million next season and can earn $1.93 million in 2023-2024. If each player’s production this season so far has been any indication, those team options will be exercised in due course.