Tari Eason is staying put - at least for now. Despite some buzz leading up to the trade deadline, the 24-year-old forward wasn’t moved, and he’ll finish out the 2025-26 season in a Houston Rockets uniform. And while his contract situation adds a layer of uncertainty heading into the offseason, the Rockets seem content to bet on his future in Houston rather than cashing out early.
Eason and the Rockets didn’t agree to a rookie extension before the season, which means he’ll hit restricted free agency this summer. That status gives Houston the right to match any offer he receives, but it also opens the door for other teams to make a run at him - and potentially drive up the price. Still, there’s a growing sense that the Rockets are committed to keeping him in the fold long-term.
And why wouldn’t they be? Eason’s making a strong case on both ends of the floor.
He’s averaging 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per game, and he’s doing it with remarkable efficiency. His 48.8% shooting from deep isn’t just good - it’s second-best in the league among qualified players.
That kind of perimeter shooting from a 6-foot-8 wing who can defend multiple positions is a premium asset in today’s NBA.
Eason’s defensive versatility is especially valuable for a Rockets team that’s trying to build a sustainable contender under head coach Ime Udoka. Whether he’s switching onto guards or bodying up bigger wings, Eason gives Houston a level of flexibility that few teams can match. His presence on the court helps unlock a lot of what the Rockets want to do on both ends - and that’s not something you easily replace.
Of course, keeping him around won’t be simple. The Rockets have some serious money already committed for next season.
Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr. are all set to make over $20 million, and Amen Thompson is barreling toward a potential max extension of his own. That means Houston’s front office - led by GM Rafael Stone - will need to get creative with the cap sheet if they want to retain Eason on a lucrative deal.
The good news? Several teams that were expected to have significant cap space this summer have already used up some of that flexibility with moves at the deadline. That could work in Houston’s favor, limiting the number of suitors who can throw big offers Eason’s way.
For now, though, the focus stays on the court - and Eason remains a key piece of a Rockets team that’s quietly turning heads in the Western Conference. At 31-18, Houston is firmly in the playoff mix, and with a win Thursday night against Charlotte, they could climb into the No. 3 spot in the West.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Central at Toyota Center.
So while the contract questions will linger into the summer, one thing is clear: Tari Eason isn’t just part of Houston’s present - he might be a big part of its future, too.