Despite solid play on his rookie deal, Tari Eason did not get a rookie extension from the Houston Rockets.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Eason and the Rockets “could not bridge gaps on multiple fronts” before Monday’s deadline, and he’ll now be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 campaign.
Eason, the 17th overall pick out of LSU in 2022, had a solid start to his NBA career, putting up 9.3 points and six boards off the bench as a rookie. His progress was delayed in his second campaign as he was limited to just 22 games because of issues surrounding a stress reaction in his left leg.
After the injury-marred season, Eason had a career year in 2024-25, posting 12 points and 6.4 rebounds while playing around 25 minutes per game off the bench. He also showed flashes of his defensive potential as he averaged 1.7 steals and nearly a block per game.
Eason had some injury issues in his third campaign, missing 25 games because of various ailments, but it was clearly a year of progress.
Though he didn’t get a rookie extension, the Rockets seem prepared to keep Eason around in restricted free agency. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reported in June that Houston was “comfortable matching any offer that would come” for Eason.
The Rockets also showed their affinity for Eason when they refused to include him in their trade for Kevin Durant. While Eason’s role might decrease a bit with the addition of Durant, he’ll likely still be a key piece in the rotation.
With 2025-26 now officially a contract year for Eason, he’ll look to make the most of the season as he tries to earn a lucrative deal next offseason.