Jabari Smith Jr. and the Houston Rockets have agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension, reaffirming the organization’s long-term commitment to the 2022 No. 3 overall pick.
The new deal, which contains no team or player options, solidifies Smith’s role in the franchise’s core alongside other key pieces moving forward. Smith is represented by agent Wallace Prather.
While Smith’s future in Houston had been somewhat uncertain amid trade speculation and the Rockets’ recent blockbuster acquisition of Kevin Durant, this extension signals the team’s intent to retain its young frontcourt talent.
Despite battling injuries, most notably a broken left hand that limited him to 57 games, Smith showed promise last season, posting averages of 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 30.1 minutes per game.
He also improved his floor-spacing ability, shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc.
Smith’s role shifted somewhat upon his return from injury, as rising star Amen Thompson had cemented a strong role in the rotation.
However, the Rockets remain confident in Smith’s development and two-way upside, especially given his versatility at the forward position.
The extension is part of a broader push by Houston to keep its core intact and build on last season’s success.
In addition to Smith, the Rockets recently signed head coach Ime Udoka and veteran center Steven Adams to contract extensions.
They also retained several key contributors in Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green before the June 30 deadline.
Houston finished second in the Western Conference during the regular season and is now viewed as one of the top challengers to the reigning conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the addition of Durant and continued investment in their young talent, the Rockets appear fully committed to making a deep playoff run.
Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets Agree To Five-Year, $125M Extension https://t.co/S0oZQA5BDd
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 30, 2025
