Led by general manager Rafael Stone, the Rockets front office has made an aggressive effort in the last few weeks to keep Houston’s competitive core intact, recently signing veterans Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to long-term deals. Houston also intends to retain Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday once free agency officially opens on June 30.
Talks continue with forward Tari Eason on an extension, but team sources have been adamant about their intent to keep both him and Jabari Smith Jr., two players who were highly coveted by Phoenix during trade talks surrounding Kevin Durant.
Smith, who was drafted third out of Auburn in the 2022 NBA Draft, has been a key rotational figure under head coach Ime Udoka, providing floor spacing, switchability on defense and rebounding prowess. The 22-year-old, who broke his hand in January, returned to Udoka’s rotation in late February after missing 22 games but had to settle for a reserve role — and has remained in one since. However, following the acquisition of Durant, Smith is expected to regain a position in the starting lineup.
With the bulk of Houston’s roster business done, the Rockets can turn their attention to the free-agency market, where they are expected to be aggressive in searching for additional upgrades. The Rockets are under the luxury tax, meaning they will have their full nontaxpayer midlevel exception to use in free agency, worth around $14.1 million.
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Rockets intend to sign Jabari Smith Jr. to 5-year, $122 million extension: Sources
