Overview
- The Rockets and Tari Eason agreed Friday to a five-year, $81.5 million contract that is fully guaranteed, includes a fifth-year player option, and carries a 10% trade kicker.
- Eason, the No. 17 pick in 2022, played 60 games in 2025–26 with career highs in starts and three-point attempts while averaging 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds.
- His shooting showed volatility last season, with a 21-game cold stretch that dragged his overall three-point rate to 35.8 percent but a 44.0 percent mark outside that span.
- The long-term guarantee reflects the Rockets' confidence in Eason's defensive versatility and role in Ime Udoka's rotation but also raises questions about his past availability after lower-leg surgery and intermittent injuries.
- By adding Eason on a $16.3 million average annual salary, Houston moves nearer the NBA second apron, which will limit use of certain exceptions and reduce its flexibility to add payroll this offseason.