Jabari Smith Jr. and Rockets Agree to Million-Dollar Extension
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million contract extension, according to sources close to the negotiation.
The Rockets’ executives and Smith’s agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal that extends through the 2030-31 season. The Texan franchise has shown great confidence in Smith, the third overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft, and the parties worked quickly on an agreement during this offseason.
Smith was part of the young core of the Rockets that flourished this season, helping Houston secure second place in the Western Conference and their first postseason in five years.
Smith, 22, averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in a season that was interrupted by a fracture in his left hand in January. Although he has struggled to find consistency with his 3-point shot, he showed his potential in the postseason by making 45.5% of his attempts from distance.
This agreement is the latest in a busy offseason for Houston, highlighted by the acquisition of Kevin Durant. While the Rockets were negotiating the Durant trade, the franchise continuously rejected the Suns’ requests to include Smith, making it clear that Smith was part of Houston’s long-term core, according to sources.
The Rockets have also agreed to deals to retain Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green, and extended the contracts of Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka in the last two weeks.
