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Houston Rockets Extend Jabari Smith Jr

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Horace Shivers | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 9:46 PM ET

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through the 2030-31 season.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season. pic.twitter.com/S1hb9n0PRh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

His ability to knock down threes, handle the ball in transition, and guard multiple positions made him a consensus top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets, amid a rebuild, selected him with the third overall pick, viewing him as a potential franchise player.

As the Rockets continue to develop a young core, Smith has played a central role in their resurgence. With his combination of shooting, defense, and work ethic, his ceiling remains incredibly high. If he continues on this trajectory, he has the potential to become one of the league's premier forwards and a perennial All-Star.

Last season, Smith averaged 12.0 ppg and 7 rebounds per game for the Rockets. He is expected to enter the starting lineup as he came off the bench a lot last season. Houston is confident that Smith will take a big leap this season with the addition of Kevin Durant.

Houston should remain one of the better teams in the league as they lock Smith up for the next few seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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