### Houston Rockets Secure Future with Jabari Smith Jr.'s $122 Million Extension The Houston Rockets have made a significant move to solidify their roster by agreeing to a five-year, $122 million contract extension with forward Jabari Smith Jr. This decision comes on the heels of the team's recent acquisition of Kevin Durant, indicating a strategic commitment to building a competitive core for the future. Smith, who was the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is seen as a pivotal player in the Rockets' long-term plans, especially at just 22 years old. The extension ensures that Smith will remain with the team through the 2030-31 season, reflecting the franchise's confidence in his potential to develop into a cornerstone player [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jabari-smith-contract-rockets-forward-agrees-to-five-year-122-million-extension-per-report][https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/basketball/nba-star-jabari-smith-jr-set-for-payday-houston-rockets-forward-pushes-for-122m-deal-through-2031-article-152181395]. ### Breakdown of the Contract and Team Strategy 1. **Contract Details**: - Jabari Smith Jr. has signed a fully guaranteed five-year extension worth $122 million, which will take effect starting in the 2026-27 season [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/houston-keeps-spending-reportedly-agrees-to-five-year-122-million-contract-extension-with-jabari-smith-jr]. 2. **Team Dynamics**: - The Rockets are actively reshaping their roster, having also secured point guard Fred VanVleet and traded for Kevin Durant, indicating a push for immediate competitiveness [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/jabari_smith_jrs_122_million_extension_lets_rockets_stay_greedy]. 3. **Player Performance**: - Smith averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds over 57 games in the 2024-25 season, contributing to the Rockets' playoff run where they secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/rockets_retain_jabari_smith_on_122m_extension]. ### Supporting Evidence and Player Statistics - **Performance Metrics**: - **2024-25 Season Averages**: - Points: 12.2 - Rebounds: 7.0 - Games Played: 57 (39 starts) - **Career Averages**: - Points: 13.0 - Rebounds: 7.5 across three seasons [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/jabari-smith-jr-contract-extension-houston-20399884.php][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/reports_rockets_reward_jabari_smith_jr_with_5_year_122m_extension/s1_17045_42393221]. ### Conclusion: Rockets' Commitment to Jabari Smith Jr. In summary, the Houston Rockets' decision to extend Jabari Smith Jr. for five years at $122 million underscores their commitment to building a strong, young core capable of competing in the NBA. This move, alongside the acquisition of veteran talent like Kevin Durant, positions the Rockets as a team to watch in the coming seasons. The franchise is betting on Smith's potential to grow into a leading role, especially as they transition away from previous roster configurations [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/4ad93d1f/houston-rockets-jabari-smith-jr-agree-to-five-year-122-million-extension][https://clutchpoints.com/nba/houston-rockets/rockets-news-jabari-smith-jr-secures-contract-extension].