1 Franchise-altering mistake the Rockets can't make with Tari Eason

The Houston Rockets extended Jabari Smith Jr. this summer. They can't let that keep them from retaining Tari Eason's services.

Let me quickly drop the disguise of journalistic objectivity - I love Eason. He personifies everything the Rockets want to be in 2025. Eason is tough, relentless, and fiercley competitive.

The Rockets ought to love Eason too.

Rockets have a keeper in Tari Eason

In a new article highlighting the pending 2022 rookie scale extensions, The Athletic classified Eason as a "maybe" to get an extension. Here's hoping the Rockets don't see it the same way. The Athletic's position is that Eason ought to be pricey in light of Smith Jr.'s new contract.

"The Rockets may have inadvertently set the bar for Eason when they did Smith’s deal. Given that Eason is a better player, it seems like Smith’s deal (five years and $124 million) should be Eason’s floor."

-John Hollinger, The Athletic

Right. Let's parse this out. Eason is the better player...so the Rockets ought to move him to prioritize Smith Jr.?

Eason's impact can't be overstated. He had a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 3.6 in 2025-26. Smith Jr.'s best BPM thus far is -0.4. Eason's ability to generate extra possessions via steals and offensive rebounds makes him a unique presence.

That's an edge the Rockets can't afford to lose. Winning the possession battle is integral to the Rockets' game plan. They can't lose Eason.

Besides, they should be able to afford him.

Eason is worth the Rockets' money

Eason played 22 games in 2023-24 as a sophomore. He managed 57 last year. Eason has looked injury-prone so far.

He's also not a primary offensive option. Eason has flashed some capacity to score in the half-court, but he'll never be a primary option. His shooting is inconsistent as well. This is an immensely valuable player, but Eason isn't in line for a max extension.

Let's say Smith Jr.'s money is indeed his floor. The Rockets have to give it to him. If that's untenable to their cap situation, they should wait until next summer, let Eason hit Restricted Free Agency (RFA), match any offer and trade Smith Jr. for an expiring deal.

Ideally, the Rockets would keep both. The point is this: Houston cannot choose Smith Jr. over Eason simply due to draft investment. It doesn't matter if Smith Jr. was a high lottery pick. Eason has been better, and he should be a Rocket for years to come.

If they have to break the bank for him, so be it.