Ex-Celtics coach becomes one of highest-paid coaches in NBA (report)

While there were some rumors that the Knicks could be interested in trying to poach Ime Udoka from the Rockets, instead, he’s going to stay in Houston long-term. Udoka and the Rockets agreed to a contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Udoka, 47, led the Rockets to a 52-30 record last season that resulted in the No. 2 seed in the West. While Houston fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Warriors, it was clear the Rockets took meaningful steps toward competitiveness. Considering the Rockets have a young core, it’s no surprise to see Udoka signed for the future.

The Knicks were rumored to be interested in Udoka leading the way, but the Rockets’ side quickly rebuffed that. Udoka has been with Houston for the past two years. While the Rockets were uncompetitive at the start of the decade, Udoka has upped their organization as a whole. He went 41-41 in his first season, and while he missed the playoffs, it was a significant improvement from the 22 wins from the year before.

Udoka started his head-coaching career with the Celtics, guiding them to a 51-31 record in 2021-22 and the 2022 NBA Finals berth. But Udoka was wrapped up in a scandal shortly before the 2022-23 season, leading to his suspension-turned-dismissal. It’s all worked out for the Celtics as they turned to current coach Joe Mazzulla, plus they won the 2024 NBA title. On the other side, Udoka continues his rise as one of the talented coaches in the league.