Mon Jun 30 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information:

**Houston Rockets Lock Down Jabari Smith Jr. with $122 Million Extension**

**HOUSTON, TX** – The Houston Rockets are betting big on the future of forward Jabari Smith Jr., agreeing to a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with the former No. 3 overall pick, according to sources at ESPN. The fully guaranteed deal, negotiated between Rockets officials and Smith’s agent, Wallace Prather, will keep Smith in Houston through the 2030-31 season.

The extension underscores the Rockets’ strong belief in the 22-year-old, who was instrumental in the team’s resurgence this season, contributing to their No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and their first playoff appearance in five years. Despite averaging 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds while dealing with a January hand injury, Smith has demonstrated tremendous potential, particularly with an improved 45.5% three-point shooting clip in the postseason. He stands alone in his draft class, having amassed 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds early in his career.

“Jabari is a key piece of our future,” said a team spokesperson (hypothetically), “We’re excited to see him continue to grow and develop as a Rocket.”

This extension is just one piece of a busy offseason for Houston. The Rockets made headlines with the acquisition of Kevin Durant, holding firm on keeping Smith in the trade negotiations with the Suns. The franchise has also focused on retaining key players like Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green, and extended Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets are clearly committed to building a championship-contending team around their core, and Jabari Smith Jr. is a vital part of that vision.

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