What happened: Thompson averaged 1.5 steals across 79 games while playing an NBA-high 2,953 minutes in 2025-26. His fourth NBA season begins next month in Houston.
Why it matters: The five-year extension averages $41.6 million annually through 2031-32, raising the stakes on Thompson's two-way growth. He finished eighth in 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year voting.
By the numbers: Thompson averaged 1.51 steals per game and added 48 blocks, totaling 167 steals and blocks. He also averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 53.4%.
What to watch: His work against primary scorers and ability to sustain that production will be markers for 2026-27.