ESPN Analyst teases absolute nightmare Tari Eason scenario for Rockets

As the Houston Rockets lost starting point guard Fred VanVleet to an ACL injury he suffered in a team mini-camp late in the offseason, it seemed, for many, that all hope was lost for the team's ability to compete of a championship this year.

Now, although the Rockets are left in an exceedingly tight bind as a result of their proximity to the first apron and the number of trade restrictions they have on the various free agents they signed this summer, ESPN Analyst Bobby Marks has teased an uncomfortable solution: trading Tari Eason for a replacement for VanVleet.

This would, undeniably, be a nightmare scenario for Houston, and it something that has been speculated about ever since VanVleet went down. Yet, hearing someone of Marks's caliber say this (in his 2025-26 trade guide, no less), perhaps should raise serious alarm bells for anyone who believes Eason is an integral piece of the team.

Tari Eason could be the Rockets' most valuable trade piece, and they could avoid paying him in the process

Eason, through his three seasons with the Rockets, has become one of the most beloved players by the team's coaching staff. Last season, he averaged twelve points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists through 24.9 minutes per game.

Yet, as he approaches restricted free agency next summer, Houston could be put in quite the financial bind if he demands more than what his current market value might be. Having already given sizable extension to Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., and with extensions coming up for Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, there is only so much of the pie to pass on to Eason.

Therefore, while the Rockets will attempt to get Eason's deal done early in the season, there is a chance, according to Marks, that this could become a rather drawn-out process.

To make matters worse, the team, as it stands, can not trade any of the players they signed or re-signed this summer until at least December 15, including Steven Adams, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, Aaron Holiday and more.

As a result, the only tradeable pieces on the team, one would imagine, come down to Eason and second-year guard Reed Sheppard.

It is likely that the team would want to wait and see if the third overall pick they spent on Sheppard was worth it before dealing him, especially since he is not due for an extension until 2028. Eason, therefore, becomes the team's most logical trade piece.

He and the Rockets are eligible to sign an extension until October 20, at which point, if a contract is not reached, he will become a restricted free agent next offseason, leaving his situation almost entirely up in the air. Based on Marks's comments, a nightmare scenario might be brewing in Houston.