Overview
- The rookie-scale extension deadline passed Monday without a deal, so Eason will play 2025-26 on his current contract and hit restricted free agency next summer with a projected qualifying offer near $8.0 million.
- Insiders reported the sides were far apart on multiple fronts, including years, dollars and guarantees, despite an 11th-hour push from Houston.
- Kevin Durant’s two-year, $90 million extension came in roughly $30 million below his max and created flexibility, but it did not produce an agreement with Eason.
- Eason said, “It’s business,” affirmed he wants to stay in Houston, and has voiced hopes for an expanded role after a 2024-25 season that included 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
- Houston’s payroll projects about $24 million below the first apron and $37 million below the second without Eason’s next deal, with key checkpoints ahead including the Feb. 5 trade deadline and next summer’s offer-sheet window.