The Houston Rockets have signed Tari Eason to an $81.5 million contract extension that keeps him with the franchise for five more years. ESPN’s senior NBA insider, Shams Charania, confirmed this on X.
“Restricted free agent Tari Eason has agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million deal to return to the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. The deal is fully guaranteed for Eason,” wrote Charania.
“The Rockets and Eason came close on an extension before last season, but the versatile forward chose to play the year out and enter RFA, where he received more guaranteed money than in the October talks and now stays in Houston,” he further added.
Eason took to social media shortly before Charania announced the extension in what now seems to have been his initial reaction to the news, just one hour before the news broke.
“I guess bruh 🤷🏾♂️,” wrote the Rockets forward on X.
Tari Eason started last season as one of the best three-point shooters in the league, but eventually hit a slump midway through the season. He ended the year averaging 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field and 35.8% from behind the three-point line.
If this extension is to follow the standard 8% raise structure, he is expected to earn approximately $14 million in the 2026-27 season. He reportedly had a $100 million offer in front of him in October, but he refused.
This reaction seems to indicate that this was the best offer that he found for himself in the free agency market, and he decided to stay in Houston, even if it meant less money.
The 25-year-old forward has been a key rotation player who has made a strong case to become a starter on the roster. But as Charania confirmed, Eason’s talks with the team broke down last October as he chose to bet on himself, potentially making more money in restricted free agency.
After the performance he had last season, there was a certain level of anxiety about his future amongst the Rockets fans, who had found themselves mentioned in the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes a few days ago. They were happy to see the versatile defender return to Houston.
“Good one, Rafael.”
“The fun will continue, thank you, big bro.”
“Defense comes at a premium in 2026; this is a really good deal for the Rockets.”
“Truly an awesome deal for an awesome player.”
“Great value for an elite role player. Rafael has done an excellent job negotiating all of the young core extensions.”
“Steal of a contract, great signing for Houston. He and Amen, as your future wings is an elite duo.”
The Rockets did extend an $8.01 million qualifying offer to Eason, but it seems the forward chose to secure his future over further betting on himself for next season.
This is great news for Eason as he can now play without the pressure of worrying that his performance is being evaluated to constantly decide on his future. Hopefully, we see him become a star like he has shown the potential to be on several occasions.
