Rockets are stuck with a Tari Eason conundrum that could define next offseason

As the Houston Rockets have found their footing, in a relative sense, this season, a number of players on the roster have become more comfortable in their roles, and there might be none that have improved more since the start of the season than young forward Tari Eason.

Yet, with his restricted free agency looming large next offseason, every performance has significance, and the Rockets are stuck in a strange position with their most valuable bench piece.

If Eason plays poorly, like he did in his first two games, the team will lack much of the depth and versatility they need to make a run in the Western Conference. However, if he plays exceptionally, like he has over his last three games, the team could be stuck in a contentious negotiation in attempting to extend him next offseason.

The Rockets, therefore, cannot really win in this scenario as a result of their inability to get a deal done this past offseason.

No matter how Eason performs, the Rockets could be stuck in a disastrous position

Through Eason's first three seasons in the league, he quickly became among the coaching staff's most beloved players as a result of his intense play on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

Although he has had some availability issues, Eason has been among Houston's most valuable players, especially given the versatility he provides the team with in operating as a capable sixth man and even a starter at times. Last season, through 57 games, Eason averaged 12 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists on a diet of just 24.9 minutes per game.

Yet, as the team attempted to sort out a contract extension for him this past offseason, in order to avoid restricted free agency, it was reported that his camp turned down a deal in excess of $100 million. While, with Kevin Durant signing his extension well below the max, the team does have additional flexibility, this could be a major problem if these negotiations were to become contentious.

Through his first two games this season, Eason struggled mightily, and it was clear that whatever transpired in the offseason was weighing on his mind. He scored just seven points combined between those two games, shooting just 3-of-11 from the field and looking largely ineffective on both ends of the court.

However, over his last three games Eason has averaged 16 points, 5.3 rebounds and three assists while shooting 60% from the field, displaying what he can be when he is at his absolute best.

Without Eason at the top of his game, this Rockets team is significantly less dangerous. However, if Eason proves to be a 15-20 point-per-game scorer, taking another leap from a year ago, he will likely expect to be paid like a starter.

While Houston does have a certain degree of financial flexibility, they do still have an extension for Amen Thompson looming, and they likely cannot afford to pay Eason as such.

Therefore, the Rockets have a sticky situation on their hands. If Eason performs poorly, their depth suffers tremendously. If he performs well, and especially as well as he has over this past handful of games, things could become exceedingly complicated next offseason.