Smart agrees to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Rockets, reuniting with Udoka to chase a championship.

Per Shams on July 1 Beijing time, sources indicate that free-agent guard Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, featuring a player option for the second season. The ex-Defensive Player of the Year will rejoin Ime Udoka, earning ample minutes in the Rockets' backcourt.

Smart plays as a combo guard, entering the NBA as the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft. He is known for elite one-on-one defense, extensive help defense, and frequent steals, capable of guarding positions one through four. His aggressive hustle and strong resilience under pressure have changed playoff games multiple times, including helping the Celtics reach the Finals in 2022. Offensively, he excels at playmaking and has clutch three-point ability, though his outside shooting consistency is lacking. In his career, he averages 10.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game in the regular season, consistently ranking among league leaders in steals.

Smart was traded to the Grizzlies in 2023, then moved to the Wizards and later the Lakers. Last season, he played 62 regular-season games for the Lakers, averaging 9.3 points, 3 assists, and 1.4 steals. His playoff performance improved significantly, posting averages of 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

Now joining the Rockets, he will serve as a defensive anchor in the backcourt and a backup floor general. Udoka is familiar with his style—Smart can both lock down opposing star guards and share ball-handling and playmaking duties. He brings toughness, experience, and locker-room cohesion to Houston's backcourt, making him a versatile guard who excels in defense, passing, and competitive spirit.