A lot of different Houston Rockets could make this list, as this franchise has more young talent than anyone in the NBA. There’s going to be a lot of tough decisions made over the next few years as more and more players age out of their rookie contracts and the payroll starts to explode.

For now, Houston may have to make a choice between Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, both of whom are eligible to sign extensions now.

Over the first few months of the 2023-24 season, this looked like an easy decision. Şengün was playing like an All-Star, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 53.7 percent overall. Green struggled with his efficiency in the early going, putting up 17.7 points on just 40.6 percent shooting overall and 30.8 percent from three.

When Şengün was shut down for the season in mid-March with an ankle sprain, however, both Green and the Rockets actually got better.

Houston was 29-34 overall with Şengün in the lineup, yet finished 12-7 without its star center.

Green was far more effective playing in the extra space, as Houston used Jabari Smith Jr. more as an undersized, floor-spacing center. The 22-year-old averaged 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and shot 45.3 percent overall and 38.1 percent from deep after Şengün was sidelined.

The Rockets aren’t going to be able to pay both these guys and still have money left over for future extensions for Smith, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard and others.

Splitting up this duo now while both are still under rookie contracts would be the easiest path forward.