Jabari Smith Jr. has been a part of Houston’s rise since being drafted 3rd overall in 2022.
The Houston Rockets reportedly continue to secure their short and long-term future, this time by agreeing to a long-term contract extension with forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Multiple reports have Houston and Smith Jr. coming to terms on a five-year extension worth roughly $122 million. The extension would begin in the 2026-27 season, with the upcoming season being the last from his rookie contract.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season. pic.twitter.com/S1hb9n0PRh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
The Rockets drafted Smith Jr. third overall in 2022, and the 6-foot-10 forward has flashed valuable versatility as Houston has climbed toward contender status in the Western Conference. Smith Jr. averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds across 57 games last season, including 39 in the starting lineup. He has shot 43.2% overall and 34% from 3-point range across his career.
Houston is coming off its most successful season in half a decade after finishing with a 52-30 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Rockets, however, were upset by the seventh-seeded Golden State Warriors in their best-of-seven first-round series.
The Rockets have been aggressive building on that momentum this offseason. They have reportedly agreed to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, a deal in which they managed to exclude nearly all of their young core aside from shooting guard Jalen Green.
Houston has also reportedly come to terms on contract extensions with head coach Ime Udoka and veteran center Steven Adams. The Rockets also reportedly plan to re-sign Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green.
Recap of Rockets business over the last 15 days:
Extensions: Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Ime Udoka
Free agents retained: Fred VanVleet, Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green
And the blockbuster Kevin Durant acquisition. https://t.co/hGYQjjNU4Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
