The Houston Rockets are betting big on Jabari Smith Jr. as a long-term piece.
The fourth-year forward on Sunday agreed to sign a massive five-year contract extension worth $122M, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal kicks in during the 2026-27 season and is reportedly fully guaranteed through the 2030-31 campaign.
Smith saw his stats take a slight dip last season compared to the previous year. The Auburn alum averaged 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 43.8% shooting from the field and 35.4% from three-point range during the 2024-25 campaign.
He also came off the bench for a good chunk of the year, which coincided with the emergence of Amen Thompson as an impact player for Houston.
But the Rockets are banking on Smith tapping into his immense potential with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks now off the team. The 6-foot-11 forward gives Houston a Swiss army knife who can play multiple positions on offense and capably defend opposing centers in small-ball lineups.
Smith remains part of a jumbo forward rotation that includes Thompson, Tari Eason, and newly-acquired superstar Kevin Durant — all players 6-foot-8 or above.
After adding Durant in the blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns, Houston has locked in its core group for the coming years. The team has also signed Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate and even head coach Ime Udoka to new deals this offseason.
