July 4, 2026, 4:08 a.m. CT
Defensive specialist Josh Okogie is leaving the Houston Rockets to sign with the Utah Jazz.Okogie agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Jazz.Last season with the Rockets, he averaged 4.5 points and shot 38.5% from three-point range.The Rockets’ recent addition of Marcus Smart helps to offset Okogie’s departure.
The Houston Rockets lost one of their most cost-effective role players from a season ago, as defensive specialist Josh Okogie agreed to sign a two-year $12 million deal with the Utah Jazz.
After being waived by the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the 2025-26 season, Okogie signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Rockets and proved to be a bargain pickup. In many ways, Okogie was what Houston expected Dorian Finney-Smith to be, offering strong defense and solid shooting from the perimeter. In 78 games last season, Okogie averaged 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc.
While Okogie’s defense, durability and hustle will be missed, the addition of Marcus Smart softens the blow. Furthermore, with limited cap space, the re-signing of restricted free agent Tari Eason proved to be much more critical.
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