Smart contract in place for Rockets with Project

• Smart contract between Rockets for a two-year term and payments totaling 13 million
• The contract includes a clause on a gravity of another season
• Gravity clause can be activated by Ime Udoka after the season with the Los Angeles Lakers

Marcus Smart is set to receive a total $13 million in salary from Houston Rockets under a gravity clause for another season, according to ESPN and The Athletic.

Per the report, the gravity clause is triggered if agent Smart Jason Glushon and Josh Ketroser agree to the terms of the contract. The contract is not expected to be finalized.

Smart, who is 32 years old, is entering his second season with Ime Udoka as head coach. He will also play under Udoka again, this time with Boston Celtics.

Earlier, Smart had reportedly agreed to a $5.4 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers and will have to receive the money from the gravity clause in another season. The Lakers will pay Smart two more years, 10.5 million dollars, under the gravity clause for another season.

In the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Smart played 62 matches with an average of 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists. The deal includes an option against the Rockets winning the playoffs: the player can be activated for the first time, if the team reaches the playoffs. Smart will score 21 points in 21 games, with 10 rebounds per game.

The Athletic also reports that in Houston, the gravity clause was triggered during the regular season, when Fred VanVleet was traded to the team. VanVleet’s contract extension for the 2026–27 season is expected to be finalized.

Tags: Sport/Basketball