The Houston Rockets have another long-term decision to make in the offseason in addition to Fred VanVleet’s future, as Tari Eason entered restricted free agency on June 30. The 25-year-old played the most games(60) the past season since his rookie year, with Houston failing to reach an extension agreement before the 2025-26 campaign.
Eason has no shortage of suitors out in the market, but the Rockets are well-placed to match any offers that come in. Per The Athletic, the No. 17 pick of the 2022 draft is expected to command close to $75 million across three years, although not all of it is expected to be guaranteed.
“The question is more about how many contractual bells and whistles will be attached to guard against physical issues. Houston will surely tender him his $8 million qualifying offer, and one presumes the Rockets would match reasonable offer sheets given their mostly manageable cap sheet,” wrote John Hollinger
The fact that Eason played 60 regular-season games and featured in all eight playoff games means that he has the leverage to hold out for a bigger offer. The Rockets are almost certain to tender a $8 million qualifying offer.
However, a number of other teams, including the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers have maintained interest, which means Houston may end up paying more than the $100 million they reportedly offered, over several years, at the start of the season. However, injury concerns are understood to be why not all of that money was guaranteed.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 35.8 percent from three-point range during the regular season. He can defend multiple positions and is a disruptive defender, something Eason was able to show consistently the past season.
For those reasons alone, the eventual deal that Eason ends up signing can be expected to be even more lucrative.
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