The Charlotte Hornets could make a trade for Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. this offseason.
The Charlotte Hornets could make a big trade this offseason to upgrade the roster around LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.
One player that the Hornets should consider acquiring is Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.
The 23-year-old would be an upgrade at the power forward position for Houston, as he averaged 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three.
He is a solid scorer with the athleticism to play above the rim and is a quality three-point shooter. Smith Jr.'s five-year $122 million contract extension kicks in next year, but the Rockets have some big decisions to make with Tari Eason entering restricted free agency.
Houston's early playoff exit could leave the door open for Smith Jr. to be moved.
Hornets Potential Framework For Jabari Smith Jr.
Charlotte Hornets receive: Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets receive: Josh Green, Liam McNeeley, the 18th overall pick, and a 2027 first round pick swap
A deal for Smith Jr. could include an expiring salary like Josh Green, who could also be an impactful 3&D wing for the Rockets. Green appeared in 58 games for Charlotte in the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 42 percent from deep.
Houston could also value McNeeley, as they lacked three-point shooting in the 2026-27 season. The 20-year-old showed off his shooting ability in his rookie campaign, averaging 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds, shooting 40 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the arc.
The Rockets also do not own a first-round pick, and this deal would yield them the 18th overall pick while also saving them long-term money. It could also make it easier to commit to Eason long-term.
For Charlotte, this deal lands them a power forward for the future who would fit well in their starting five, while still leaving flexibility to add a young player with the 14th overall pick and to trade Miles Bridges in another deal.
The Hornets should consider making a move for Smith Jr. as he would fit seamlessly in the lineup alongside Ball, Knueppel, and Miller.
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