Tari Eason's Rockets extension becomes even more clear if surging rumors are true

As the Houston Rockets enter the 2025-26 NBA season, their most pressing financial issue comes in the form of a looming extension for soon-to-be restricted free agent Tari Eason.

Yet, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the general feeling around the league is that it will be similar in structure to the rookie extensions that Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun received from the organization, taking away a degree of the massive uncertainty that surrounds this potential development for the Rockets.

Both Green and Sengun received four-year deals with a player option after the third year, and, although the exact number Eason receives could result in limited flexibility for Houston moving forward, locking down their dynamic young bench player long-term must be their top priority.

Tari Eason could receive a four-year contract with a player option

Through his three seasons with the Rockets, Eason has developed into one of the most beloved players on the roster, bringing constant energy off the bench on both ends of the court.

Last season, his game came to full fruition as he averaged twelve points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists through 57 games. Therefore, extending Eason has become increasingly vital as he has become an integral piece of their rotation.

Fischer, in the latest edition of The Stein Line Newsletter, has revealed additional details regarding what an eventual extension could look like: "Some cap strategists are penciling an Eason extension to come in below Smith's $24.4 million in average annual value. Such a deal could also feature a player option in Year 4 after Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green landed player options in their recent extensions with the Rockets."

In one sense, Eason's development as a player has of course been massive for the team, and, if he can put together a bona-fide Sixth Man of the Year campaign this season, he could quickly become the key to the Rockets putting out an incredibly rotation night in and night out.

On the other hand, Eason's continued performance could cause trouble for the Rockets as he creeps closer to earning a significant pay raise: a proposition that becomes more dangerous given the money they extended to both Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. recently.

Eason, given his importance to the team, certainly deserves to earn close to if not more than what Smith made on his extension. However, in order for the team navigate their upcoming Kevin Durant extension and Amen Thompson's negotiations the season after that, his deal must likely come in below that number.

As Fischer points out, this is shaping up to be the most likely scenario: a major financial win for the Rockets' front office if it proves to be true.