The Houston Rockets entered NBA free agency looking to strengthen an already promising roster, and on Wednesday they added one of the league's most accomplished defensive guards. After reaching the Western Conference semifinals during the 2025-26 campaign, Houston has continued to prioritize experience, leadership and defensive versatility as it looks to take another step toward championship contention.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Rockets have agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. The deal also includes a player option for the second season and reunites Smart with head coach Ime Udoka, who coached the veteran guard during Boston's run to the 2022 NBA Finals.
It's another aggressive move for a Houston team that appears intent on competing with the NBA's elite.
Marcus Smart Reunites With Ime Udoka
Charania reported that Smart's new contract is worth $13 million over two seasons and includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.
The signing reunites Smart with Udoka, who coached him during the 2021-22 season in Boston. That season ended with the Celtics advancing to the NBA Finals, while Smart earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first guard to win the honor since Gary Payton in 1996.
Houston is betting that familiarity will help Smart make an immediate impact.
Smart Adds Defense and Veteran Leadership
Although Smart is entering his 13th NBA season, he remains one of the league's most respected perimeter defenders. The 32-year-old averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 62 games during the 2025-26 season.
Over his career, Smart has appeared in 697 regular-season games, averaging 10.5 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He has also been named to three NBA All-Defensive First Teams while earning a reputation as one of the league's toughest and most competitive players. His championship experience and defensive mindset should fit seamlessly into Udoka's system.
Rockets Continue Their Push Toward Contention
Houston finished 52-30 last season before advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, signaling the franchise's emergence as one of the conference's rising powers.
Adding Smart gives the Rockets another experienced ball-handler and defensive presence alongside Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard in the backcourt.
While the contract is modest compared to many of this summer's deals, Houston is adding a player with a proven resume and postseason experience. If Smart can stay healthy, this signing has the potential to become one of the more underrated moves of NBA free agency.
