Houston Rockets ahead Jabari Smith Jr. intends to signal a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources informed ESPN.
Rockets officers and Smith’s agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports activities Administration, negotiated the absolutely assured deal by way of 2030-31 season. The Rockets have held important perception in Smith, the No. 3 total choose within the 2022 NBA draft, and the edges labored towards a deal rapidly this offseason.
Smith was a part of a younger Rockets core that blossomed right into a drive this season, serving to Houston to the No. 2 seed within the West and its first postseason in 5 years.
Smith, 22, averaged 12.2 factors and seven.0 rebounds in a yr that was disrupted by a damaged left hand in January. Smith has struggled to seek out consistency together with his 3-point shot however flashed his potential within the postseason by canning 45.5% of his appears to be like from distance.
He is the one participant from the 2022 draft class to build up 2,500 factors and 1,500 rebounds up to now of their NBA careers, in keeping with ESPN Analysis.
The settlement is the most recent in a busy early offseason for Houston, highlighted by the blockbuster acquisition of Kevin Durant. Because the Rockets negotiated the Durant commerce, the franchise regularly rebuffed requests from the Suns to incorporate Smith, making clear that Smith was a part of Houston’s long-term core, sources mentioned.
The Rockets have additionally agreed to offers to retain Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Vacation and Jeff Inexperienced and gave extensions to Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka during the last two weeks.