Story perspectives

Smart rejects Lakers, signs $13M with Rockets

7/2/2026

Summary

Smart Joins Rockets

Marcus Smart turned down a $5.4 million Lakers option and signed a $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets.
The deal reunites him with Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who coached him in Boston’s 2022 NBA Finals.
Smart, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 62 games in 2025-26.
Houston finished 52-30, reached the Western Conference semifinals, and added Smart for defense and veteran leadership.

Summary

Smart Signs Rockets

Luka Doncic recruited Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers after Smart was waived by the Washington Wizards last July.
Smart’s agents Jason Glushon and Josh Ketroser informed Houston Rockets officials on Wednesday, sealing a two-year, $13 million deal.
In Game 3 of the first-round series, Smart posted 21 points, 10 assists and a late-quarter steal that forced overtime, leading the Lakers in plus-minus with a 256-point margin.

Summary

Smart Signs Deal

The Rockets signed Smart to a two-year, $13 million contract, keeping the team off the first hard-cap apron.
The deal leaves Houston $28.5 million below the second-apron hard-cap, providing ample flexibility for further moves.
The team also added veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic on a one-year contract earlier in free agency.
Smart is expected to backcourt with Amen Thompson and rookie Reed Sheppard on a roster that includes All-Star forward Kevin Durant and center Alperen Sengun.

Summary

Smart Adds Depth

Houston used the $13 million mid-level exception to sign Smart, keeping an expiring salary as a matching piece, avoiding sweeteners, and preserving all draft assets.
Coach Ime Udoka’s habit of limiting Reed Sheppard’s minutes indicates Smart will assume a larger bench role behind Fred VanVleet.
Smart provides a defensive backup for VanVleet, reducing risk if the starter misses time and showing Houston’s early commitment to veteran depth.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s modern salary-cap began in the 1984-85 season at $4.6 million and was reshaped during the 1995 lockout, which forced a new cap structure and rookie-scale rules. Because the league uses a soft cap with exceptions such as the Bird and mid-level provisions, the Houston Rockets can now employ the exception to add guard Marcus Smart while staying well under today’s cap limits.

1 of 5

Smart Joins Rockets

Marcus Smart turned down a $5.4 million Lakers option and signed a $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets.
The deal reunites him with Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who coached him in Boston’s 2022 NBA Finals.
Smart, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 62 games in 2025-26.
Houston finished 52-30, reached the Western Conference semifinals, and added Smart for defense and veteran leadership.

1 / 5