Jabari Smith Jr. Trade Rumors: Will the Rockets Keep Their Rising Star or Use Him in a Major Deal?

By Edcel Panganiban June 07, 2025 10:30

As the Houston Rockets gear up for a pivotal 2025 offseason, the future of Jabari Smith Jr. has become a hot topic in trade speculation circles. The 6-foot-11 forward, selected third overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of promise but has yet to fully realize the superstar potential many envisioned. With the Rockets looking to accelerate their push toward contention, questions abound: Will Houston build around Smith, or will they leverage his value in a blockbuster trade?

Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2024-25 Season: Solid but Unspectacular

Smith Jr. averaged a respectable 12.2 points and 7 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 campaign, contributing to the Rockets’ surprising run to the Western Conference’s second seed. However, his role shifted midseason when rookie Amen Thompson emerged as a breakout star, pushing Smith to a bench role for the final stretch and all seven playoff games. Despite this, Smith’s versatility remains an asset; he posted the highest point differential when sharing the court with All-Star center Alperen Şengün, outperforming teammates like Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green in that metric.

Offensively, Smith is a midrange specialist, shooting 50% between 10 and 16 feet, but his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, hovering around 34%, below the elite marks expected from a modern stretch forward. Defensively, he has been solid but not a game-changer, with a modest Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) of 0.1 last season.

Trade Value and Potential Suitors

Rumors have swirled about Smith’s availability in trade talks, especially as the Rockets explore acquiring a bona fide star to complement their young core. While Amen Thompson is widely regarded as untouchable, Smith is considered a player the Rockets could part with if the right offer arises. Some projections have linked Smith to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who could benefit from his defensive versatility and floor spacing, potentially in exchange for a guard like Austin Reaves.

Other trade scenarios involve packaging Smith with draft picks to move up in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Houston holds the No. 10 overall pick and is reportedly open to trading it to acquire more impactful talent. The Rockets’ front office seems poised to make bold moves, and Smith’s contract status he is eligible for an extension this summer adds another layer of complexity. Houston may delay negotiations to gather more data on his development, but any extension is expected to be team-friendly, likely in the $20 million per year range, reflecting cautious optimism about his ceiling.

Rockets’ Strategic Dilemma

Houston faces a delicate balancing act. Smith’s skill set fits well alongside Şengün and Thompson, particularly given his ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. His positive on-court chemistry with Şengün suggests he could remain a foundational piece if the Rockets choose to develop their young core organically.

However, the Rockets’ playoff shortcomings especially their lack of a true offensive playmaker have fueled calls for a shakeup. Trading Smith could bring in a more dynamic scorer or veteran presence to push the team deeper into the postseason. Yet, moving a former No. 3 pick with defensive versatility and positional flexibility carries risks, especially if his potential remains untapped.

Smith’s attitude amid role changes has garnered praise; rather than publicly complaining about his benching, he embraced the role and prioritized team success, a trait valued in championship-caliber teams. This professionalism may weigh in favor of retaining him.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s future with the Houston Rockets remains uncertain as the 2025 offseason unfolds. While he has yet to become the franchise cornerstone many hoped for, his defensive versatility, midrange scoring, and positive chemistry with key teammates make him a valuable asset. The Rockets’ front office must weigh whether to keep Smith as a key piece around which to build or to use him as a trade chip in pursuit of a star player who can elevate the team immediately. How Houston navigates this decision will significantly shape the franchise’s trajectory in the coming years.