The basketball world stopped when news broke that Kevin Durant was heading to Houston. The July 6th blockbuster didn’t just reshape one roster – it sent shockwaves through the entire league and marked a dramatic shift for a Rockets franchise that had been building around young talent.
This wasn’t just any trade. Seven teams found themselves involved in the most complex deal in NBA history. For Houston, landing one of the greatest scorers the game has ever produced meant one thing: their patient rebuilding phase was over.
Now the Rockets face a new reality. With Durant in the building and championship expectations following him, every decision gets filtered through one question – does this help us win now? That win-now mentality could put some of Houston’s young core in an uncomfortable position, particularly Jabari Smith Jr.
Could the Houston Rockets Part Ways with Jabari Smith Jr.?
The timing tells the whole story. Just one week before finalizing the seven-team blockbuster that brought Durant to Houston, the Rockets made sure to lock up Smith Jr. with a five-year, $122 million extension. The 2022 third overall pick seemed secure in his future with the franchise.
But that was before Durant changed everything. Smith Jr. had already been moved to the bench in favor of rising star Amen Thompson, raising questions about his long-term role. The Durant trade only amplified those concerns, even as his new contract suggests Houston still believes in his potential.
PFSN’s Brandon Austin predicts that Smith Jr. could find himself on the trading block despite the recent extension. The contradiction between his contract and his situation reflects the complicated position Durant’s arrival has created.
“The arrival of Kevin Durant highlights Houston’s win-now mindset, which may spark trade speculation if Smith doesn’t elevate his play in his fourth NBA season,” Austin writes.
The logic is straightforward but brutal. Austin adds, “His age and skill set remain appealing to teams building for the future. Moving him could preserve cap flexibility while leveraging his potential value on a team that can offer him a larger role.”
If Houston does decide to shop Smith Jr., they wouldn’t struggle to find interested buyers. At just 22 years old, he represents exactly what modern NBA teams crave – a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor.
His 6-foot-11 frame gives him the size to handle bigger players, while his shooting touch makes him a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. Through his first three seasons, Smith Jr. has averaged 13 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 34% from three-point range. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but they represent steady production from a player still developing his game.
What Teams Could Pursue Jabari Smith Jr. in a Trade?
Austin identifies two franchises that could make sense as landing spots: the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. Both teams offer different paths but similar opportunities for Smith Jr. to expand his role.
Philadelphia presents an intriguing possibility if they decide to pivot from their veteran-heavy approach. With Paul George and Joel Embiid already dealing with injuries this season, the 76ers might consider a younger direction. Smith Jr. would fit perfectly alongside their emerging talent like 2025 third overall pick VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain, and Tyrese Maxey.
Chicago offers a different but equally appealing scenario. The Bulls have been accumulating young talent like Coby White, Patrick Williams, and Matas Buzelis. Adding Smith Jr. to that group could give them the versatile forward they need to take the next step. More importantly for Smith Jr., Chicago could offer him the expanded role and increased touches that might unlock his full potential.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone following this situation. Houston just committed over $120 million to Smith Jr., suggesting they view him as a cornerstone piece. Yet Durant’s arrival has shifted the entire franchise’s timeline, potentially making that same player expendable.
While any trade remains speculation at this point, the Durant acquisition has fundamentally changed how the Rockets evaluate every player on their roster. If the right deal presents itself – one that brings back veteran talent better suited for an immediate championship push – Smith Jr. could become the unfortunate casualty of Houston’s new championship-or-bust mentality.
