The Rockets and big man Jock Landale have agreed to push back the salary guarantee date on his contract for 2025/26, reports Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Landale’s $8MM non-guaranteed salary for next season was originally set to become fully guaranteed if he had remained under contract through Sunday. The two sides reached an agreement to move that date to next Monday, July 7, per Katz.
[RELATED: Early NBA Salary Guarantee Dates For 2025/26]
The extra eight days will give the Rockets more time to assess whether or not it makes sense to keep Landale on their books for next season.
Houston reportedly intends to re-sign free agents Aaron Holiday, Jae’Sean Tate, and Jeff Green, and the team could remain out of luxury tax territory while keeping Landale if all three of those players get minimum-salary deals. However, if one or more get more than the minimum or if the Rockets want to be able to go shopping in free agency with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, Landale might become a cap casualty.
The 29-year-old played a limited role for the Rockets this past season, averaging 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game across 42 outings (three starts). He would likely be the club’s third-string center again if he returns, with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams ahead of him on the depth chart, but his $8MM salary could potentially be useful for salary-matching purposes in a trade.
Landale’s contract also includes a non-guaranteed team option for 2026/27.
landale agent is just delaying it hoping Rockets can trade him. His agent made a mistake by giving them that much time.
Landale is a minimum salary guy. His agent is a G for getting him one year at 8 million, let alone two with a possibility for a 3rd.
With the market on centers is underwhelm,ing he will get more than minimum. Rockets will not find any takers for his $8 million unless its for somebody anotehr team doesn’t want.
The Warriors should trade for him with their 8M Trade Exception. If things work out right, move him and Heild’s expiring contract, $3M buyout, for a big.
Why not wait for him to be a free agent. Most teh warriors should do is give them Minnon rights because other than that he is not worth a 2nd round pick.
I’m pretty sure his contract is not guaranteed for 26-27 also. Along with Heild’s contract, that gives them $17m to go shopping at the trade deadline. You would have better choices…If things don’t work out with JK, they might be able to get a big and a pick.
Buddy’s contract is guaranteed for 26-27 and a player option for 2027-2028
Only $3 million is guaranteed for 26-27.
Landale is a good offensive 5. He can be a backup for a good NBA team.