Houston carries $205.5 million in salary into the season, more than five million above the $200.4 million threshold and comfortably under the $209.0 million first apron. Five contracts — anchored by Durant, Sengun, VanVleet, Smith and Eason — account for most of that number, with a bigger raise for Thompson already locked in for 2027-28.
July 2025
July 6, 2025 set this bill in motion. Houston moved the Jalen Green/Dillon Brooks pairing, plus draft capital, through a seven-team deal that landed Kevin Durant at $43.9 million this season and $46.1 million next season. That trade turned a rebuilding payroll into a win-now one, with Durant now the largest number on the books.
This fall
Two departures trimmed the roster without touching the bigger numbers. Guard Aaron Holiday and forward Jeff Green left on September 21, and Houston waived two-way big man Rafael Castro on October 1, a move a Brett Siegel report confirmed. All three carried minimum-level money; the real commitment sits in the five contracts below.
This season
The total sits at $205.5 million, which clears the $200.4 million tax threshold by roughly $5.1 million and stays under the $209.0 million first apron. Durant ($43.9M), Alperen Sengun ($35.6M), Fred VanVleet ($25.0M on a player option), Jabari Smith ($23.6M) and Tari Eason ($14.1M) make up the five largest deals on the roster.
2027-28
Next year's numbers are already locked for most of the core. Durant moves to $46.1 million, Sengun to $37.3 million, and Thompson's number jumps to $35.9 million. Smith ($21.8M), Eason ($15.2M) and Reed Sheppard ($14.0M) round out the group. Marcus Smart holds a $6.4 million player option for that season, and VanVleet's contract runs through this season only.
Through 2030
Houston owns its 2028 and 2030 first-round picks outright, with swap rights attached to the 2027 first, 2027 second, 2029 first and 2030 second. The only picks owed outright elsewhere are the 2028 second-rounder, held by Charlotte, and the 2029 second, held by Memphis.
Are the Rockets over the luxury tax this season?
Yes. Houston's $205.5 million payroll clears the $200.4 million tax threshold by about $5.1 million, while staying under the $209.0 million first apron.
Do the Rockets control their own first-round picks?
Mostly. Houston owns its 2028 and 2030 first-round picks outright; the 2027 and 2029 firsts carry pick swaps instead of full control.
