Photo: Houston Rockets/X

Jabari Smith Jr.’s five-year, $122 million rookie scale extension with the Houston Rockets is structured with some interesting salary fluctuations, as noted by Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

While the overall value of the deal is substantial, the contract includes a notable decrease in salary during the second year before steadily increasing over the final three seasons.

This dip in the 2027–28 season is significant because it aligns with the timing when Amen Thompson’s anticipated contract extension will begin to count against Houston’s salary cap.

This overlap could be an important factor in the team’s long-term financial planning.

Furthermore, the 2027–28 season might also mark the last year of Kevin Durant’s contract with the Rockets, assuming he opts to sign a two-year extension with the franchise in the near future.

Managing these concurrent contracts will be crucial for Houston as they balance their salary cap while aiming to build a competitive roster around their young core and veteran stars.

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