The Houston Rockets are locking in a key piece of their young core, as forward Jabari Smith Jr. is set to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, according to league sources. The deal comes as the Rockets continue to invest heavily in their promising young talent, signaling a strong commitment to building a contending team around their emerging stars.
Smith, the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Auburn, has quickly developed into one of the most intriguing two-way players in his draft class. Known for his versatility on both ends of the court, Smith has steadily improved in each of his first two seasons in the league, becoming a reliable contributor in Houston’s rotation and earning praise for his maturity and work ethic.
In the 2024-25 season, Smith is coming off a campaign in which he averaged 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor as a power forward, combined with his defensive versatility, has made him a perfect fit for head coach Ime Udoka’s system. He has often been tasked with guarding opposing forwards and wings, and his length and lateral quickness have allowed the Rockets to switch more freely on defense.
Smith’s offensive game has also expanded. Initially considered more of a catch-and-shoot threat coming out of college, he’s worked diligently to develop his ball-handling and shot creation. Over the past year, he has shown a greater willingness and ability to drive to the basket, pull up off the dribble, and create mismatches with his size and shooting touch.
The contract extension solidifies the Rockets’ vision for the future. With cornerstone guards like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson also in the fold, and veteran leadership from players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Houston is positioning itself to make a leap from the rebuilding phase to playoff contention. Smith’s new deal ensures that one of their most promising frontcourt talents will remain with the team through the 2029-30 season, providing continuity and stability during a crucial growth period for the franchise.
Rockets general manager Rafael Stone expressed his excitement about securing Smith’s services long-term, emphasizing the forward’s character and commitment to team success. “Jabari represents everything we want in a Rocket,” Stone said. “He’s a hard worker, a great teammate, and he’s constantly pushing himself to improve. This extension is not just about what he’s done so far—it’s about what we believe he’s going to become.”
Smith’s camp is also said to be thrilled with the deal, which provides long-term security while still leaving room for another major contract in his prime years. The $122 million figure is seen as a fair value in today’s salary cap environment, especially for a player who has already proven to be a dependable starter with All-Star upside.
The timing of the extension is also noteworthy. With several other members of the 2022 draft class eligible for rookie scale extensions, the Rockets were proactive in getting a deal done before the October deadline. This move avoids potential distractions during the season and demonstrates the franchise’s strong belief in Smith’s importance to their long-term plans.
Looking ahead, expectations will continue to rise for Smith as he enters his third NBA season. With a secured role, growing confidence, and financial backing from the organization, he will be expected to take on more leadership responsibilities both on and off the court. If his trajectory continues, the extension could end up looking like a bargain for the Rockets in just a few years.
For Houston, the deal is another step in what has been a carefully calculated rebuild since the departure of former franchise centerpiece James Harden. By identifying and developing young talent like Smith, the Rockets are slowly but surely crafting a team that could be a force in the Western Conference for years to come.
