NBA analyst projects perfect extension for Rockets' Tari Eason

The Houston Rockets have not extended Tari Eason yet. One NBA insider thinks a deal is imminent. That would be ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

"This feels as if it will get done eventually."

- Tim Bontemps (ESPN) on Tari Eason

That should come as a relief for Rockets fans. They love Eason, and rightly so. That said, nobody should want an overpaid player on their team. Eason needs to come at the right price:

Bontemps has an answer for that as well.

Ideal contract identified for Rockets, Eason

Bontemps thinks Eason should get a 4-year, $80 million deal.

That sounds just about right.

In a vacuum, Eason could earn more. Eason's 3.6 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) from 2024-25 is indicative of a borderline star. His 3.3% steal percentage would have ranked 3rd in the NBA if he'd met the minimum games played requirement. Spoiler alert: That's the problem.

There are a few knocks to make on Eason's game. He's a limited shot creator, but he's even developing in that area. The issue isn't what happens when he's on the court:

It's how often he isn't.

Injuries could hold back Eason's value to Rockets

After playing a full 82 games in 2022-23 as a rookie, Eason managed just 22 games as a sophomore, and 57 as a third-year player.

It's been said that availability is the best ability. If that's true, Eason is lacking in the most important area. It doesn't matter how good he is if he can't stay on the floor.

So, a (relatively) modest deal could make sense for both sides. Eason could be drawn to immediate financial security. Let's be honest: $80 million is a life-changing amount of money for almost every human being on the planet.

Yet, in NBA terms, it's a mid-level deal. Eason is more than a mid-level player. This could end up being the type of bargain that helps the Rockets win an NBA championship.

It's the name of the game. Pick any NBA champion from the past few years, and they've got value contracts on the books. That's how they've made enough room for a roster that's talented enough to win.

If the Rockets get Eason at $20 million a year, and he starts to get consistently healthy, the value will be immeasurable. If he can't get his body right, at least the team's salary hit will be relatively minimal. This would be as perfect price for Eason if he's amenable to this type of deal.

Hopefully, the extension is imminent.