Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason is a free agent for the first time in his career.
The former first-round pick out of LSU has grown in each of his four seasons with the Rockets. In the 2025-26 campaign, Eason averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Rockets, making 60 appearances (34 starts) for the team.
His player profile and potential for even more growth is why Bleacher Report writer Eric Pincus listed him at No. 13 in his free agent rankings.
“Eason represents part of the team’s
young core, but he’s expecting a significant pay raise,” Pincus wrote.
“If Houston pays Eason in the $20-30 million starting range, the franchise could face apron restrictions. If the Rockets pass, letting him leave as a restricted free agent (or sign-and-trade him), the team loses youth, depth, and a tough wing who is shooting 46 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts.”
The only players that ranked higher than Eason in the rankings are Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu, Washington Wizards guard Trae Young, Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
The Rockets have a big decision when it comes to Easton’s future. It’s clear that the team wants to invest in him, but it comes at a certain price. The Rockets would lose a lot of their rebounding prowess and physical toughness by letting Easton walk, but they could have a lot of cap flexibility if they choose to move on.
It’s a conundrum that the Rockets have to solve this offseason. There’s reason to believe the Rockets can improve with Eason on the roster, but if they don’t bring him back, they will need to make several moves to replace his value.
TDS community, how much would you pay Eason this summer? Can the Rockets afford to let him go? Let us know in the comments section below.
