Rockets make their stance on Jabari Smith Jr. crystal clear

The Houston Rockets wasted no time extending Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year $122 million contract, and it is clear they view the former top-three draft choice as a key piece of their core. There were questions after the Rockets moved him to the bench and traded for Kevin Durant, but Smith Jr. is here to stay. His salary also suggests the Rockets still see plenty of upside.

Spotrac projects his salary to be around 20 percent of the cap for the duration of the deal. That is not star money, but it is more than the mid-level exception. Smith Jr. got paid like a quality starter, which is a massive vote of confidence from the team that drafted him.

Rockets fans should not worry about the minutes or the role this season. Houston has one of the deepest teams in the NBA. Smith Jr. is a key piece of the core that the franchise believes can win a championship. They need improvements from their young talent to get there, and the 22-year-old is ready to answer that call.

Rockets paid Jabari Smith Jr. like a starter through 2031

Houston had until the day before the regular season starts to extend Smith Jr. Even if they couldn’t agree on a new deal, the 6’11 forward would have been a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026. As fans have seen this offseason, that is not an advantageous situation for the player. The Rockets had no reason to rush, but did not wait.

Smith Jr. averages 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 31.1 minutes per game for his NBA career. He accepted a bench role last season as Houston leaped into contention. The 22-year-old was still playing over 30 minutes per game as the Rockets grabbed the number two seed in the West. Things didn’t go as planned in the playoffs, but Smith Jr. is clearly a key piece.

He has improved his jumper and is still searching for his optimal role. The Rockets are loaded with young talent and just added Kevin Durant. Finding everyone significant minutes and shots is not easy, but Ime Udoka gladly accepts that challenge.

Many thought Smith Jr. would be the number one pick in the 2022 draft before the Magic decided on Paolo Banchero. That further shows fans how good evaluators thought Smith Jr. would be. The Rockets know he has untapped potential and were willing to pay to help him unlock it in Houston.

Smith Jr. is a 6'11 forward with the ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and fit into any lineup. He can play some small ball five or operate as the three. That versatility is massive as the Rockets look to matchup against the best teams in the playoffs.

For fans worried about how the franchise viewed Jabari Smith Jr., the Houston Rockets answered that question with an immediate contract extension. They did not wait around or mess with the situation. The Rockets paid him like a starter and showed faith in a core piece of their build. Doubters silenced, and Houston can now focus on chasing a championship.