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2h ago

Rockets Prioritize Tari Eason Extension Before Kevin Durant’s Expected Two-Year Deal

Houston seeks cap clarity by setting Tari Eason’s price first to guide the timing of Kevin Durant’s expected short-term extension.

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Sep 29, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) smiles during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Jake Fischer reports the Rockets prefer to complete a Tari Eason extension before finalizing Kevin Durant’s widely expected two-year pact, though signing Durant first would be acceptable.
  • Houston wants Eason’s figure set to map the payroll, with a four-year framework viewed as likely, according to Fischer’s reporting on Marc Stein’s platform.
  • Jabari Smith Jr.’s five-year, $122 million contract is expected to influence Eason’s valuation, which some project below Smith’s $24.4 million average, potentially with a fourth-year player option.
  • Durant is broadly expected to agree to the maximum two-year extension he has said he anticipates after arriving via trade this summer.
  • Eason, coming off averages of 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals, is tracking toward restricted free agency and is in the mix for a starting role as Houston adjusts to Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury.