Houston rockets forward Jabari smith Jr. is reportedly set to sign a substantial rookie contract extension. Sources indicate the dynamic young player has agreed to a five-year deal valued at a remarkable $122 million. This significant commitment underscores the Rockets’ belief in Smith as a foundational piece for their future championship aspirations.
The agreement is expected to be fully guaranteed. This level of commitment is notable for a rookie extension. Should the deal be finalized as reported, it would secure Smith’s tenure with the Houston franchise through the 2030-31 NBA season. The reported terms signal a major investment by the Rockets in their promising young talent.
Rockets Secure Young Star with Long-Term Deal
Jabari Smith Jr., originally the third overall pick in the loaded 2022 NBA draft, was entering the final year of his initial rookie contract. His scheduled salary for the upcoming 2025-26 season was set at $12.4 million. This new five-year extension will kick in once his current deal expires, providing both long-term security for the player and cost control for the team relative to potential future market value. At an average annual value of $24.4 million, the contract represents a significant raise and vote of confidence. It’s also notable that the deal reportedly contains no player or team options, solidifying the five-year commitment.
This move positions Smith as a key component of the Rockets’ evolving roster. He has spent his entire professional career in Houston since being drafted out of Auburn. Over his first three seasons, Smith has shown flashes of the versatile scoring and defensive potential that made him a high draft pick.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Performance and Role
In the recently concluded 2024-25 NBA season, Jabari Smith Jr. appeared in 57 games for the Rockets. He was a starter in 39 of those contests. During that period, he averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. His season faced challenges, notably a broken hand suffered in January that caused him to miss 22 games. Upon his return, he reportedly worked to regain consistent shooting form.
Despite offensive inconsistencies at times, Smith established himself as a crucial wing defender for the team. His length, athleticism, and effort on that end of the court were highly valued. Across his career, Smith holds per-game averages of 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 steals over 31.1 minutes played. He’s shot .432 from the field, .340 from three-point range, and .805 from the free-throw line. While his shooting splits indicate room for growth, particularly from deep, his overall statistical profile highlights his impact as a rebounder and developing scorer. He was recognized for his early contributions by being named to the 2022-23 All-Rookie Team.
Houston’s Aggressive Offseason Strategy
The reported extension for Jabari Smith Jr. is just the latest in a series of aggressive moves by the Houston Rockets this offseason. The franchise is clearly signaling its intent to rapidly accelerate its timeline and compete for an NBA championship. This extension aligns with other major transactions executed by the team.
Perhaps the biggest splash came earlier in the offseason with the acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. In that significant trade, the Rockets reportedly sent guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with a package of draft picks (including the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round selections), to Phoenix. Adding a player of Durant’s caliber immediately elevates Houston’s ceiling.
Beyond the Durant trade, the Rockets have been busy retaining core pieces and adding veterans. They re-signed point guard Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million deal. Veteran center Steven Adams also inked a three-year, $39 million extension. The team has also worked to retain key players like Jae’Sean Tate (three years, $20.6 million), Aaron Holiday (one year), and Jeff Green. Head coach Ime Udoka also received a “long-term” extension, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league. These collective moves demonstrate a clear organizational strategy focused on winning now while also securing valuable young talent like Smith for the future.
Salary Cap Impact and Future Flexibility
The financial terms of Smith’s extension raise questions about the Rockets’ salary cap situation. According to reports, Houston’s salary cap figure for the 2025-26 season stood around $205.3 million before factoring in Smith’s new deal. Despite the $122 million commitment, ESPN’s Bobby Marks has reportedly indicated that the structure of Smith’s extension still provides the Rockets with sufficient financial flexibility.
This flexibility is crucial as the team potentially looks towards other future moves. Specifically, retaining flexibility could allow Houston to work out a contract extension for Kevin Durant. Durant, who will be nearing 37, is reportedly entering the final year of his current contract. Securing him long-term alongside VanVleet, Adams, and the young core spearheaded by Smith would solidify Houston’s competitive window for the foreseeable future. The decision to extend Smith now, even at a significant figure, appears calculated to fit within their broader financial and roster-building strategy aimed at sustained contention.
Context Within the 2022 Draft Class
Jabari Smith Jr.’s reported extension makes him the first player from the 2022 NBA draft class to sign a multi-year extension. As the third overall pick, he was part of a highly touted class. This early extension underscores his perceived value to the Rockets organization relative to his peers.
Other top prospects from the 2022 class, such as Paolo Banchero (Orlando), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City), are widely anticipated to command max or near-max extensions in the future. Smith’s extension sets a baseline for others in the class, particularly those outside the absolute top tier who might not qualify for or receive a full max deal. While Smith’s reported $122 million falls below the potential max figures for players like Banchero or Holmgren, it represents a substantial investment and validates his status as a key young player in the league. Other players from the 2022 class like Keegan Murray, Bennedict Mathurin, Jaden Ivey, Walker Kessler, and his teammate Tari Eason are also players to watch for potential extensions in the coming period.
Team Outlook and Championship Aspirations
The Houston Rockets finished the 2024-25 season with an impressive 52-30 overall record. This performance earned them the No. 2 seed in the competitive Western Conference playoffs. While their postseason run ended in a first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors in seven games, the season marked a significant leap forward for the young team.
The extensive offseason activity, headlined by the Durant trade and now the significant extension for Jabari Smith Jr., clearly signals the Rockets’ ambition. They are no longer purely focused on rebuilding. The stated goal for the franchise is now to make a serious run at an NBA Championship. This goal was last achieved by the Rockets in 1995. By investing heavily in established stars and retaining promising young talent like Smith, Houston is assembling a roster designed to compete at the highest level immediately and for years to come. Smith is expected to be a significant contributor to this effort, utilizing his defensive skills and developing offensive game to help the Rockets chase their championship aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the terms of Jabari Smith Jr.’s new contract extension with the Rockets?
Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets valued at $122 million. This deal is reported to be fully guaranteed and would keep Smith with the team through the 2030-31 NBA season. The extension will begin after the upcoming 2025-26 season, which was the final year of his initial rookie deal.
How does Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension impact the Houston Rockets’ salary cap and future plans?
While the $122 million extension is significant, reports suggest the Rockets retain enough financial flexibility for future moves. This is crucial as the team may look to extend Kevin Durant, who was acquired via trade this offseason. The extension fits into Houston’s aggressive strategy to build a contending roster by securing key young talent alongside established stars, aiming for sustained success.
What does this extension mean for Jabari Smith Jr.’s role and the 2022 NBA draft class?
The extension solidifies Jabari Smith Jr.’s role as a key piece of the Rockets’ young core and a significant part of their future plans. He is reportedly the first player from the 2022 NBA draft class to sign an extension. This makes his $122 million deal a benchmark for other players in his draft class who are also eligible for extensions, though top picks like Paolo Banchero are expected to command larger deals.
Conclusion
The reported five-year, $122 million contract extension for Jabari Smith Jr. marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the Houston Rockets franchise. It represents a strong vote of confidence in the 2022 third overall pick, securing his future in Houston through the 2030-31 season with a fully guaranteed deal. This move is a key part of the Rockets’ highly active and ambitious offseason, which has seen them acquire superstar Kevin Durant, extend key veterans, and position themselves as potential contenders. Smith’s continued development and contribution will be vital as the Rockets aim to leverage their revamped roster and significant financial investment into a championship run. The extension also sets an important precedent as the first among the talented 2022 NBA draft class, highlighting Smith’s value in a class full of promising young stars. Houston’s commitment to Smith signals they view him as indispensable to their long-term success.
