, ESPN reporter Shams Charania first reported that the Houston Rockets have planned to complete a five-year contract extension with young forward Jabari Smith Jr. worth a total of $122 million after the free market opens in 2025. Subsequently, The Athletic reporter Kelly Iko further confirmed that the contract is a fully guaranteed agreement and does not include player options or team options, showing the Rockets' high recognition and trust in Smith's future development.

The conclusion of this potential contract extension means that the Rockets regard Smith as a stable puzzle piece in the future core lineup. According to the team's previous plan, Smith Jr. was originally scheduled to become a restricted free agent after the end of the 2025-26 season, when the Rockets could choose to match the offers of other teams. However, because the team management is optimistic about the continued construction of the existing lineup, and Smith's performance in the 2024-25 season has steadily improved, the two sides chose to lock in a long-term partnership in advance.

In the just-concluded 2024-25 season, Jabari Smith Jr. played 57 regular season games for the Rockets , averaging 30.1 minutes per game, contributing 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists. His stable performance on both offense and defense, especially the adaptability and growth potential shown in the 39 games he played in the starting lineup , won him recognition from the team and the coaching staff.

Sports Illustrated reporters Sam Amick and Kelly Iko previously reported that with the completion of Kevin Durant 's trade, Smith Jr. is expected to further consolidate his starting position in the 2025-26 season. In fact, in the first 33 starts of the 2024-25 season , he has averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, showing good offensive finishing and rebounding control capabilities.

For the Rockets, completing the contract extension ahead of schedule not only ensures the stability of the team's young core lineup, but also provides a clearer direction for future salary space planning. For the 22 -year-old Smith, this big contract is a direct affirmation of his efforts and progress, and also the beginning of new responsibilities and challenges.

As the contract extension is about to be officially completed, the Rockets' lineup structure for the new season is becoming clearer. The team's strategy in cultivating young players and building a deep lineup is gradually showing results, and Smith's stay is undoubtedly a key step in this reconstruction plan.