HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets have locked up a key piece of their future, as Jabari Smith Jr. will sign a five-year, $122 million extension. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the fully guaranteed deal ties Smith to Houston through the 2030-31 season. Jabari Smith Jr’s extension signals the Rockets’ firm belief in the 22-year-old’s potential to anchor their forward rotation for years to come. Smith had a $12.4 million club option for 2025-26 but will decline that in favor of long-term security. The Rockets know they have a young star in Smith and made the right choice to keep him.
Jabari Smith Jr’s $122 Million Extension Lets Rockets Stay Greedy
Injuries Didn’t Deter Rockets’ Faith
Last season, Smith opened strong, averaging 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in his first 33 games. However, a broken left hand during a shootaround forced him out for 22 games. After returning on February 21, he bounced between the starting five and the bench. He closed the regular season averaging 12.2 points and 7 rebounds in 57 games, starting 39.
Jabari Smith Jr’s extension shows the Rockets trust that he can take a bigger role next season. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko and Sam Amick confirmed that Smith is expected to move back into the starting unit after the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade.
Playoff Learning Curve
Houston’s playoff run ended in the first round, but it marked growth. Smith contributed 7.4 points per game in seven playoff appearances. Though the numbers dipped, the experience will fuel his development. He’s ready to help lead this group further next time
Smith’s shooting did regress slightly during an injury-plagued year, but the Rockets believe he can find his rhythm again. If healthy, his fourth NBA season could cement him as a reliable two-way forward.
Impressive Start to Career
Drafted third overall in 2022, Smith made the All-Rookie Second Team. He averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds that season. He also became the second rookie in NBA history to record 550 rebounds and 100 threes in one season.
Through three seasons, Smith stands alone from his draft class with 2,500 career points and 1,500 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr’s extension underscores the Rockets’ faith that he can raise those numbers much higher.
Extension Fits Bigger Ambitions
Houston’s front office hasn’t hidden its desire to contend. After landing Kevin Durant for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and a top-10 pick, the Rockets doubled down by keeping Smith. They also locked up Steven Adams and extended coach Ime Udoka’s deal.
They still hold $80 million below the luxury tax line for 2026-27. That cushion creates room for possible new deals for Durant and Tari Eason. Houston’s cap flexibility and young core make them dangerous in free agency.
Ready to Stay Greedy
This summer, Houston has the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $14.1 million. League insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report that Dorian Finney-Smith could be a target, after he declined his Lakers option. Houston could land Finney-Smith outright or engineer a sign-and-trade involving Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale.
This is why Jabari Smith Jr’s extension is vital for the Rockets. With Smith secured, the front office can keep its options open. They have resources to chase talent while building around Smith’s promise.
A Long Road Ahead
The Rockets have made bold moves to reset their timeline. Smith Jr.’s $122 million deal marks another aggressive step. He’s central to the identity they want. Houston isn’t playing it safe.
The next season will test if Smith’s leap justifies the faith and the money. With Durant in the fold, Udoka on the sideline, and the front office armed with cap space, Houston’s gambles could pay off big.
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