Did Rockets Overpay for Landale?

The Houston Rockets surprised many in free agency when they signed Phoenix Suns center Jock Landale to a four-year, $32 million deal.

Only the first season on Landale's contract is guaranteed, so the deal looks like more than what it actually is. However, $8 million as an average annual salary is far more than what Landale has made in his career up until this point, which makes some question if the Rockets overpaid for their backup center. 

"From what I’ve heard, Landale, this upcoming season, is going to make double more than what Phoenix was looking at offering at that point," HoopsHype said. "It was a no-brainer for him to go to Houston, which benefited him financially, even though, looking ahead, that contract is structured with some non-guarantees, so it can be traded.

The 27-year-old spent just one season (69 games) in Phoenix, averaging 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist in 14.2 minutes per game. Landale's first season in the NBA was the year before with the San Antonio Spurs.

Landale, who's from Melbourne, Australia, had a late arrival to the association because he played for his home country and Europe from 2018-2021. He's racked up a few accolades during his time across the sea, earning the bronze medal for Australia at the 2020 Olympics and winning the 2021 NBL Championship.