Former Suns Forward Reuniting with Kevin Durant on Rockets

Free agent forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Houston Rockets, as reported by ESPN. Entering his eighth NBA season, Okogie is recognized as an active wing defender, averaging 6.3 points over 416 career games.

The deal was negotiated between Rockets officials and Okogie's agent, Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports. Okogie is coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 1.2 steals and ranked fourth in steals per 36 minutes among players appearing in 40 or more games. He also shot a career-best 34.8% from three-point range.

Okogie's journey to Houston involved being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Charlotte Hornets on January 15th, after spending two and a half seasons in Phoenix. The Hornets waived him last week after declining to guarantee the second year of the contract he signed with the Suns last summer.

Known for his hustle and defensive effort, Okogie's minutes fluctuated with the Suns due to inconsistent shooting and being undersized for a forward. He reunites with Kevin Durant in Houston, having briefly been a starter alongside Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton in Phoenix during the 2022-23 season.

Last season, Okogie averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 40 games for both the Suns and Hornets. He joins a Rockets team noted for its defensive versatility, slotting in alongside players like Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and others around Durant. Houston currently holds the fifth-best odds to win the NBA championship next season.