The Houston Rockets' season may have just ended, but the debate over their future is already heating up. While fans are calling for change, reports from Sam Amick and Will Guillory suggest head coach Ime Udoka isn't on the hot seat—and that has many scratching their heads.

The main reason for keeping him? A long-term contract. To many, that smells less like loyalty and more like a front office pinching pennies. And in the NBA, that's a dangerous game to play.

Let's be clear: the frustrations with Udoka are real. Questionable rotations, baffling late-game decisions, and an offense that sputtered all season have left fans wanting more. Money shouldn't be the reason to stay the course—especially since coaches' salaries don't count against the salary cap. Teams like Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Detroit have paid two or three coaches at once to prove they're serious about winning. It's a cost of doing business at the highest level.

The Rockets' inactivity at the trade deadline was already puzzling. Now, after being embarrassed by an undermanned Lakers squad in the playoffs, it looks like a major missed opportunity. A few roster tweaks could have made all the difference.

I'm not saying Udoka needs to be fired outright. But sticking with the status quo isn't a winning formula. As a defensive-minded coach, his team struggled mightily on offense—scoring just 100 points in two of their six playoff games. That's not going to cut it in today's NBA.

At the very least, the Rockets need to bring in assistant coaches who can diversify the offense. The challenge? Udoka has to be willing to listen. If the front office is serious about winning, they'll push for those changes—and fast. Loyalty is admirable, but not when it costs you a competitive edge. The ball is in Houston's court.