Painful reality of Rockets' Tari Eason extension decision

The Houston Rockets are in a difficult spot with Tari Eason. They're in trouble if they keep him but they don't want to lose him either.

It's a consequence of acquiring so many talented players in such a short time. The salary cap doesn't allow you to keep everyone. The Rockets are feeling the squeeze. The 2025-26 season is nearly underway, and Eason is without a deal".

That doesn't mean the team doesn't value him.

"I think the Rockets love Tari Eason."

- Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show

How could they not? Eason is an immensely impactful young player.

Unfortunately, that's part of the problem.

Rockets have a difficult decision with Eason

Lowe goes on to say that he suspects there hasn't been a Durant contract yet because the Rockets want to iron out the details with Eason. Already, we're seeing complications. The Rockets acquired a superstar, fringe MVP candidate this summer, but extending him is complicated by Eason's presence.

Moreover, Eason's contract value makes for a complicated evaluation. If the team were strictly basing his dollar amount on his on-court impact, the deal would be done - and it would be lucrative. Unfortunately, Eason has played an average of 53.7 games per season over his first three years, and that includes an 82-game rookie season.

I haven't even mentioned Amen Thompson yet. The Rockets will need to retain him - he's arguably the highest-priority young player on this team (if it isn't Alperen Sengun). A dark question starts to emerge:

Can the Rockets even afford Eason?

Rockets must retain Eason

They have to.

Eason's injury history could present an opportunity. Rafael Stone could leverage it in negotiations to get Eason at a lower Average Annual Value (AAV). If he can get healthy, it could look like a bargain before long.

More broadly, the Rockets simply must keep Eason. He's integral to the culture they've built and the style they want to play. Eason is a 6'8" wing with a 7'2" wingspan who can guard across positions. He's one of the best extra-possession generators in the NBA, and most significantly, he never quits on a play.

It wouldn't be controversial to suggest they should trade Jabari Smith Jr. before they let Eason walk. Perhaps the Rockets could dump some veterans next summer if Eason is set to hit Restricted Free Agency (RFA). However the particulars look, letting Eason go would be malpractice. You don't find young players like him every summer:

That's part of what has the Rockets in a difficult spot.