Nigerian basketball star Josh Okogie is preparing for a new chapter in his NBA career after signing a one-year deal worth $3.1 million with the Houston Rockets.
The 26-year-old shooting guard, who was recently a free agent, will reunite with two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant, as both players were teammates at the Phoenix Suns.
Okogie, who was born in Nigeria and raised in the United States, shared his excitement on social media, posting:
“Houston, we have a problem,” – a playful message to fans of his new team, promising exciting times ahead.
Okogie began his NBA journey in 2018 when he was selected 20th overall in the NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, following two seasons at Georgia Tech. He spent four seasons with the Timberwolves, before joining the Phoenix Suns in 2022.
Earlier this year, in January 2025, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a multi-player deal that also included future draft picks. However, the Hornets waived him on 15 July, making him a free agent before his move to Houston.
Over his seven NBA seasons, Okogie has played in 416 games, starting in 167. He has averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.93 steals in 19.1 minutes per game. Notably, in the 2024/25 season, he ranked fourth in steals per 36 minutes among players who played at least 40 games, with an impressive 2.8 steals per 36 minutes.
During the last season, split between the Suns and Hornets, he played 40 games, averaging 1.2 steals in just 15.6 minutes per game.
Internationally, Okogie has proudly represented Nigeria’s D’Tigers at major tournaments, including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
At the Rockets, Okogie will now play under head coach Ime Udoka, another Nigerian, as he looks to bring energy, defence, and experience to a young team aiming for growth in the Western Conference.
