Free agent guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets, according to sources via ESPN. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second season, providing the veteran defender with flexibility as he joins a rising Houston squad.
The signing marks a high-profile reunion between Smart and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. The duo previously reached the NBA Finals together in 2022 during their time with the Boston Celtics. Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, is expected to provide immediate veteran leadership and a defensive identity to the Rockets' young backcourt rotation.
Smart's arrival in Houston follows a tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies and a storied nine-year run in Boston. His familiarity with Udoka's defensive schemes is cited as a primary factor in the move, as the Rockets look to accelerate their rebuild and compete for a postseason spot in the Western Conference. The $6.5 million average annual value represents a strategic addition for Houston as they utilize their available cap space on proven championship-level experience.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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