Tari Eason could already be left out of a starting role if surging rumors are true

As the Houston Rockets enter the 2025-26 NBA season, their greatest strength will lie in the versatility of their rotation: a fact that head coach Ime Udoka has already acknowledged by stating that the fifth starting spot will be earned in training camp.

While this burgeoning competition represents a number of possibilities, including increased roles for Dorian Finney-Smith and Steven Adams, it could, according to Paulo Alves on the recent episode of The Lager Line podcast, simultaneously prevent young forward Tari Eason from moving off of the bench.

Although Eason would present a small-ball, defensive skillset to the starting five, Alves argues that his ongoing contract negotiations could prevent the organization from increasing his role any further.

Tari Eason could already be disqualified from a starting spot as a result of his contract negotiations

Eason, through his three seasons in the NBA, has already developed into a favorite of the Rockets' coaching staff. Through 161 career games, he has averaged 10.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while providing the team with an electrifying defensive playmaker on their bench unit.

Yet, the team must now assess his value on a larger scale as he becomes eligible for his rookie extension, and, according to Alves, the pressing nature of these negotiations could limit his opportunities this season: "Middle to long-term, I do think it might impact [Tari Eason's] chance of starting because I think, if he does not have his deal signed and it's close between him and the other candidates, the fact that he doesn't have a deal signed might tip his chances in the other direction..."

The Rockets are in a special predicament with Eason given his importance to the team. Although the recently acquired Kevin Durant is due for an extension at the end of this season, and it is a major priority to bring him back, the organization has also made clear that extending Eason will be their first priority.

Moreover, given the money they gave to Jabari Smith Jr. for his rookie extension, it is likely that Eason will expect to earn around that figure as a result of their comparable development. However, the team likely cannot afford, given the looming Durant and Amen Thompson extensions, to pay Eason that amount even if he might be worth it.

Starting Eason would significantly increase his value in negotiations, serving as a sign of the increasing importance of his role to the team's functioning on defense. Therefore, if a player like Smith or Finney-Smith can play even comparably to Eason in training camp and preseason, it is likely that we will see Eason return to lead the bench unit for another season until his deal is sorted out.