The Houston Rockets found themselves in the spotlight ahead of the regular season’s start due to a contract negotiation impasse with forward Tari Eason. Despite offering Eason a deal reportedly exceeding $100 million, the two sides couldn’t finalize an extension before the deadline. Consequently, Eason will complete his rookie contract and enter restricted free agency in the 2026 offseason. According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the Rockets retain the right to match any external offers for Eason.
Eason’s decision to gamble on his own potential seems to be paying dividends. The forward has been on fire in the early season, boasting a 51.7% shooting percentage overall and an impressive 53.1% from beyond the arc. Currently, Eason is averaging 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds over 24.5 minutes per game. His contributions have been pivotal for Ime Udoka’s bench, propelling the Rockets to a 7-3 start. The team is currently ranked third in net rating and leads the league in offensive performance.
Initially, Eason struggled in the Rockets’ opening losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons. However, he turned things around in the subsequent eight games, shooting a remarkable 57% from three-point range on 5.5 attempts per game. Eason has found his rhythm, primarily positioning himself in the corners for open shots as defenses focus on center Alperen Sengun and forward Kevin Durant.
The upcoming summer will be crucial for the Rockets. They’ve already secured fourth-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. with a five-year, $122 million contract extension and are likely to offer rising star Amen Thompson a maximum extension next summer, depending on his continued progress. This raises the question of whether Eason’s performance could push him beyond Houston’s financial comfort zone. Although the Rockets can match any offer Eason receives, accommodating his potential market value might become challenging. The team has also added forwards Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, with Okogie already proving valuable, potentially as a contingency for Eason’s possible departure.
For now, the Rockets have time to deliberate and are content with Eason’s significant impact on their strong season start.
Houston will have time to sort things out. For now, they’re happy Eason is contributing so greatly to their hot start to the season.
