HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 25: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Toyota Center on February 25, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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As other rookie extension candidates saw themselves receive juicy new contracts, Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason ultimately did not come to terms with his club on a new deal.
This makes Eason one of the most intriguing free agents next summer, as the 6’8 forward is one of the most underrated two-way players in the NBA.
Controlled athleticism
Eason came into the league as an athletic monster, who not only had tremendous transition potential, but also significant defensive upside.
Unlike most, who sport that level of physical benefits, Eason understood from Day 1 how to control, and utilize, his own athletic prowess, as well as how to apply it for the right situations.
Along with Amen Thompson, Eason was part of the one of the most effective defensive bench duos last season, to the point where it’s reasonable to wonder if the Rockets can justify keeping him on the bench, or if his future is served best elsewhere where he’ll have more of an opportunity.
The 24-year-old, who played 24.9 minutes last year, had a modest raw line of 12.0 points, and 6.4 rebounds. Yet, those numbers don’t come close to detailing how important he was to Houston.
Eason’s ability to play the passing lanes (1.7 steals, 3.3 STL%) is one of his biggest strengths, and given that successful steals remain one of the most important defensive plays in all of basketball, that’s significant.
He’s also a decent shot-blocker (0.9 blocks, 3.2 BLK%), and an improved shooter.
The future
With Houston and Eason not finding common ground, it’s reasonable to assume that Houston is looking for additional improvements, before they commit.
For all of Eason’s strengths, he does still need something more to pop for him offensively, particularly in half-court situations, as a way to justify becoming a highly paid wing-big, who can play off of others.
That said, the Rockets did already hand Jabari Smith Jr a huge five-year extension worth $122 million, and it’s fair to wonder if he’s currently even better than Eason. The Rockets likely saw more upside in terms of Smith’s more natural shooting motion, and bought into the idea that he, and not Eason, was more likely to reach a certain level.
That could be Houston’s loss, at the end of the day, if Eason both outplays Smith Jr, and goes into free agency with outside interest.
Yes, the Rockets can match any offer, but with the threat of picking up the one-year qualifying offer, you have to wonder if they dare try to squeeze Eason, especially now that they’ll be hunting for a championship. after the acquisition of Kevin Durant.
Regardless of the coming course of events, it’ll be interesting to track his season.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
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