General managers who build contenders usually get contract extensions (Cleveland excepted).
The Houston Rockets are contenders. They came within a game of making (and after that, winning) the NBA Finals last season, and right now look like the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors
GM Daryl Morey did that this season while trimming payroll. Which is why it makes sense second-year owner Tilman Fetitta is giving him a contract extension, as first reported by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.With the Rockets surging back toward contender status, general manager Daryl Morey has agreed to a five-year contract extension to remain with the Rockets....
“I’m super happy,” Morey said. “I’d love to be with the Rockets for life. This obviously solidifies us for a little while. I’m just really thankful to Tilman Fertitta for having the faith in our team. And really, it is about us having a team of people that makes this all work; Coach (Mike) D’Antoni, (vice president) Keith Jones, (vice president) Gersson Rosas, (trainer) Jason Biles, (assistant general manager) Monte McNair, (assistant general manager) Eli Witus, (assistant general manager, Vipers GM) Jimmy Paulis.
“We have too many people to mention, but I’m only as good as the people behind me.”
Last summer, Morey was given the opportunity to speak to Philadephia about their vacant GM position, but he ultimately chose to stay with the Rockets.
This is a smart for the Rockets. Not only is Morey one of the best GMs in the game, but also because Fetitta has shown a hesitancy to pay the tax — letting Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute walk last summer (replaced by cheaper players), then money-saving trades at the deadline — and Morey is very good at finding hidden gems and getting the most out of less money.
This season’s Rockets have won nine in a row and seem to be peaking at the right time.