Josh Okogie: Nigerian D'Tigers star joins Houston Rockets on ₦5bn contract

Nigerian-American basketball star Josh Okogie signing a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Houston Rockets.

This transfer in Okogie’s eighth NBA season, transitioning him from the Charlotte Hornets to a Rockets team poised for a competitive resurgence.

Okogie immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of three, settling in Georgia.

Drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2018 NBA Draft, Okogie quickly established himself as a tenacious defender and versatile wing.

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Over his career, he has played 416 games, averaging 6.3 points, with a career-high 28 points scored against the Boston Celtics in 2022.

The Suns traded Okogie to the Charlotte Hornets, where he was waived days before his $7.7 million salary for the upcoming season would have been guaranteed.

Okogie will be coached by fellow Nigerian-American Ime Udoka who has transformed the Rockets into a defensive powerhouse since taking the helm in April 2023.

Through his agency Klutch Sports, Okogie has a guaranteed contract with the Suns until 2026.

He is expected to add to their wing defense involving Dorian Finney-Smith, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.