In a landmark moment that speaks volumes about his value to the franchise and his ascension in the NBA, former Auburn Tigers star and current Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has signed a four-year, $122 million contract extension with the team. The deal solidifies not only his long-term place within the Rockets’ future but also validates his progression from promising rookie to cornerstone piece.
This extension is a major vote of confidence from the Houston front office and signals a clear commitment to building around the 21-year-old forward, whose evolution on both ends of the court has been central to the Rockets’ rebuilding process. With this deal, Jabari Smith becomes one of the highest-paid players from the 2022 NBA Draft class and one of the most significant Auburn basketball alumni in NBA history.
Let’s take a deep dive into what this contract means for Smith, the Rockets, and the basketball world at large.
A Rising Star From Auburn to NBA Stardom
When Jabari Smith committed to Auburn University, it was a watershed moment for Bruce Pearl’s program. The 6-foot-10 forward from Fayetteville, Georgia, was a consensus five-star recruit and became the highest-rated signee in Auburn basketball history at the time.
Smith didn’t disappoint. During his lone season with the Tigers (2021–2022), he led the team to an SEC regular-season title and earned All-American honors. He averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and shot over 42% from beyond the arc, all while displaying maturity and poise well beyond his years. His combination of size, skill, and two-way versatility made him an ideal modern forward—and one of the most coveted prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Houston selected Smith third overall, envisioning him as a central figure in their rebuild. From day one, he brought professionalism and a defensive edge to a young team in search of identity.
Early NBA Development and Steady Growth
Smith’s rookie season was marked by flashes of brilliance and the typical growing pains that come with transitioning from college to the NBA. He averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in his first year, showing promise with his mid-range shooting and defensive instincts.
However, it was in his sophomore season where the leap began.
Under new head coach Ime Udoka, Smith flourished. He posted improved numbers across the board—averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting nearly 48% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His role expanded, and so did his confidence. Whether spotting up from deep, taking defenders off the dribble, or anchoring defensive rotations, Smith grew into one of the most dependable and dynamic young forwards in the league.
Teammates and coaches frequently praised his work ethic, maturity, and willingness to lead by example.
“Jabari is the type of player every team dreams of building around,” Udoka said earlier this season. “He’s all about winning, all about doing the work, and he’s just scratching the surface.”
Details of the Contract Extension
The four-year, $122 million deal, which will kick in starting with the 2026–27 season, positions Smith among the top earners of his draft class. The contract includes incentives for All-Star selections, All-Defensive Team nods, and team success benchmarks.
Smith will be earning an average of $30.5 million per season during the life of the extension—a reflection of his growing stature in the league and the importance of his presence to Houston’s long-term vision.
“Signing Jabari to this extension is a major milestone for our franchise,” said Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone in a press release. “He embodies everything we want in a Houston Rocket: toughness, versatility, professionalism, and an unrelenting drive to improve.”
Building Around Jabari
With Jabari Smith locked in long-term, the Rockets now have a clearer picture of their core. Alongside fellow young stars like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson, Smith forms the foundation of a team that is aiming to emerge from the rebuilding phase into playoff contention in the near future.
Smith’s ability to stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and serve as a secondary scoring option makes him a versatile piece who complements multiple playing styles. He’s particularly valuable in today’s switch-heavy, pace-and-space NBA, where big men need to do more than just rebound and protect the rim.
Houston’s long-term plan also includes preserving financial flexibility, and the timing of Smith’s extension—before the expiration of his rookie-scale deal—helps the franchise plan around his cap number.
“With Jabari, we’re not just locking up a great player,” said Stone. “We’re locking up a culture-setter, a tone-setter.”
National Recognition and Continued Improvement
Smith has started to gain national recognition as one of the most promising two-way forwards in the league. He’s garnered votes for the NBA’s Most Improved Player and has twice been selected to the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.
But Jabari isn’t satisfied.
“I’ve worked for this my whole life,” Smith said in an interview after signing the deal. “But this is just the beginning. I want to be great. I want to win championships. I want to make Houston proud. Let’s get to work.”
His hunger to grow is evident. Offseason reports highlight his increased focus on becoming more consistent as a ball-handler and playmaker, two areas that could unlock even more of his offensive potential.
Legacy Impact for Auburn Basketball
Jabari Smith’s success and financial milestone have also sent ripples back to Auburn, where he remains a beloved figure.
Bruce Pearl, the Tigers’ head coach, took to social media to congratulate his former star.
“So proud of Jabari! From Auburn to the NBA, he’s always represented us with class, humility, and unmatched work ethic. $122 million… earned every bit of it!” Pearl wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
For Auburn, Smith’s career is a powerful recruiting tool. He exemplifies the program’s ability to develop NBA-ready talent, and his continued growth raises the school’s profile on the national stage.
Houston’s Vision: Contenders on the Rise?
Now that Smith is under contract through at least 2030, the Rockets are pushing their chips in on youth and continuity.
They already made a strong push this past season, hovering around the Play-In Tournament line thanks to elite defensive metrics and improved ball movement. With veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks providing leadership and the young core maturing rapidly, Houston appears poised to make a playoff return soon.
Smith’s presence at the center of this evolution cannot be overstated. His ability to guard elite wings, contribute offensively, and lead without ego makes him a glue guy—and now, a max-contract player.
“Jabari sets the tone every night,” said teammate Jalen Green. “Whether it’s practice or the fourth quarter of a close game, he’s always locked in.”
What’s Next for Jabari Smith?
With financial security in place and his role within the organization clearly defined, the next step for Smith is All-Star recognition. If he continues his trajectory—especially with more national games and playoff exposure—he’ll soon be considered not just a good young player, but one of the league’s elite forwards.
Many NBA insiders are already predicting an All-Star breakout in the next 1–2 seasons.
“He’s got all the tools,” said ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. “And more importantly, he’s got the want-to. He ain’t just in it for the money—he wants greatness.”
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Money
Jabari Smith Jr.’s $122 million extension is a well-deserved milestone, but it’s also a moment of affirmation. For Smith, it validates years of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless work. For the Rockets, it confirms their belief in his ability to be a foundational player. For Auburn, it cements the legacy of one of their most influential basketball stars.
This extension isn’t the end of the story—it’s the turning of a new chapter. Smith has the talent, support system, and mindset to elevate both himself and the Rockets franchise in the years to come.
As the ink dries and the focus turns to the hardwood, one thing is certain: Jabari Smith Jr. isn’t just building a career—he’s building a legacy.
