Breaking News: Rockets Lock Up Key Young Core Piece
The Houston Rockets have reportedly agreed to a substantial long-term contract extension with forward Jabari smith Jr. According to multiple reports, the team intends to sign the young star to a five-year deal worth $122 million. This significant commitment secures Smith’s future with the franchise, extending his tenure through the 2030-31 NBA season. The agreement, which is said to be fully guaranteed, marks a pivotal moment in the Rockets’ ongoing effort to solidify their roster and transition into a perennial Western Conference contender. Securing Smith, the number three overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, demonstrates the organization’s strong belief in his potential as a cornerstone player for years to come.
The Deal: Terms and Financial Impact
Sources indicate the extension is valued at $122 million over five years. This financial commitment will begin after the upcoming season, replacing the final year of Smith’s initial rookie contract. A key detail highlighted in reports is that the entire $122 million is fully guaranteed. This level of security underscores the Rockets’ confidence in Smith despite him not being eligible for a maximum rookie extension like some of his draft peers.
While Smith’s extension is substantial, it contrasts with the potential $247 million max deals that top-two picks Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren are eligible for. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted the timing of the announcement was somewhat surprising, as this period often sees max deals signed first. However, locking in Smith now rather than waiting until restricted free agency next summer signals clear team prioritization. Financially, this deal leaves the Rockets in a flexible position. Reports suggest the team will remain approximately $80 million below the projected luxury tax line for the 2026-27 season even with this extension. This ample cap room provides flexibility for potential future extensions for players like Kevin Durant and Tari Eason.
Smith’s Journey: From Draft Pick to Core Player
Jabari Smith Jr. arrived in Houston as the third overall selection in the competitive 2022 NBA Draft class. He was drafted after Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) and Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder). Both Banchero has achieved All-Star status, and Holmgren demonstrated All-Star potential during Oklahoma City’s deep playoff run. While Smith hasn’t yet reached those individual accolades or become a primary offensive engine, he has carved out a crucial role for the Rockets. He is known for his 6-foot-11 frame, versatile defensive capabilities, and potential as a floor-stretching forward.
Over his first three seasons, Smith has averaged 13.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. In the most recent 2024-25 campaign, which saw him play in 57 games with 39 starts, he averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. His season was interrupted by a broken left hand in January. Smith has worked on finding consistency with his three-point shot (35.4% last season, 35.9% career), but he showcased significant improvement from beyond the arc in the playoffs, connecting on an impressive 45.5% of his attempts. According to ESPN Research, he is the only player from the 2022 draft class to have accumulated 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds so far in his career. Smith is projected to step into the starting power forward role next season, expected to play an important off-ball role offensively while contributing as a skilled defender and potential weakside rim protector.
Rockets’ Aggressive Offseason Strategy
Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension is the latest move in what has been an extraordinarily busy and aggressive offseason for the Houston Rockets. The team has clearly signaled its intent to move past the rebuilding phase and immediately compete at a high level. The most significant transaction was the blockbuster acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. Notably, during negotiations for the Durant trade, the Rockets repeatedly refused requests from the Suns to include Smith, making it clear he was viewed as essential to Houston’s long-term core.
Beyond the Durant trade, the Rockets have worked diligently to retain and extend key pieces. Starting point guard Fred VanVleet reportedly agreed to remain with the team on a two-year, $50 million contract. Extensions have also been provided to center Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka over the past two weeks. The team has also reportedly agreed to deals to retain role players like Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green. This flurry of activity paints a clear picture: the Rockets are prioritizing continuity and building around a blend of established veterans and their core young talent like Smith, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson.
Building Towards Contention: The Rockets’ Vision
The Houston Rockets made a significant leap last season, finishing with an impressive 50-32 record. This performance secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, marking the franchise’s first playoff appearance in five years after several seasons in the draft lottery. While their postseason run ended in the first round against an experienced Golden State Warriors team, the season demonstrated the potential of the young core and the impact of coaching changes.
By signing Jabari Smith Jr. to a long-term extension, the Rockets are solidifying their commitment to the players they believe will drive their success moving forward. Alongside dynamic big man Alperen Şengün and promising guard Amen Thompson, Smith represents a vital piece of the young foundation. The addition of Kevin Durant elevates the team’s immediate ceiling, and surrounding Durant with retained veterans and locked-in young talent like Smith indicates an all-in approach to contending for an NBA championship in the near future. The extension ensures that Smith, despite his current role player status compared to some peers, is firmly integrated into this ambitious long-term plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key terms of Jabari Smith Jr.’s new contract with the Rockets?
Jabari Smith Jr. has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets valued at $122 million. This significant deal is fully guaranteed, meaning he is guaranteed to receive the full amount over the duration of the contract. The extension is set to begin after the upcoming season and will keep him under contract with the Rockets through the 2030-31 NBA season.
How does Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension compare to other top picks from the 2022 NBA Draft?
Smith, selected third overall in the 2022 draft, received a five-year, $122 million extension. This is a substantial commitment but is significantly less than the potential maximum rookie extensions that the first two picks, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren, are eligible for, which could reach up to $247 million over the same period. While Banchero and Holmgren have emerged as primary offensive options and All-Stars, Smith has settled into a key role player capacity for the Rockets, reflected in the differing contract values.
What does Jabari Smith Jr.’s extension mean for the Houston Rockets’ future roster plans?
Signing Jabari Smith Jr. long-term is a major signal of the Rockets’ strategic direction. It shows they view him as a critical part of their core alongside players like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson. Combined with the acquisition of Kevin Durant and the re-signing of Fred VanVleet, the extension indicates a move towards immediate contention. The deal’s structure also reportedly provides the Rockets with salary cap flexibility in future years, potentially allowing them to pursue extensions for Durant and Tari Eason, further solidifying their roster for championship contention.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment
The reported five-year, $122 million fully guaranteed extension for Jabari Smith Jr. is a clear statement from the Houston Rockets. It signifies their unwavering belief in the potential of their third overall draft pick and his importance to the team’s long-term vision. While his journey has differed from some of his highly-touted draft peers, Smith has demonstrated valuable skills and is expected to play a key role in the Rockets’ ambitious plan to contend for an NBA championship. By locking in a core piece like Smith alongside recent high-profile moves, Houston is building a stable foundation designed for sustained success in the competitive Western Conference. This extension is a foundational piece in the Rockets’ aggressive strategy to return to elite status in the NBA.
References
- www.thescore.com
- uk.sports.yahoo.com
- www.aol.com
- www.gmanetwork.com
- <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/rocketstosignformerno3picktofiveyearextension/s11482242393080″>www.yardbarker.com
