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2mo ago

Rockets Secure Jabari Smith Jr. With Five-Year, $122M Extension

The fully guaranteed deal underscores the franchise’s long-term focus on its emerging core with Kevin Durant joining the lineup.

Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images/File Photo
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome, left, is a potential free-agent option for Rockets.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. is another option for Rockets in free agency.
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Overview

  • Smith’s five-year, $122 million rookie extension kicks in with the 2026-27 season and runs through 2030-31.
  • The agreement is fully guaranteed after Houston rebuffed trade proposals that would have included Smith in the Kevin Durant deal.
  • Smith averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds over 57 games last season despite missing more than a month with a broken left hand.
  • He is the only player from the 2022 draft class to accumulate at least 2,500 career points and 1,500 rebounds.
  • Houston has also retained Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green and extended Steven Adams and coach Ime Udoka during a busy offseason.