The Houston Rockets not only retained most of their core players from last season, but they also upgraded the roster in a big way.
Besides Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the entire Rockets rotation that won 52 games last season is back. On top of that, they will have Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela in the rotation, making the Rockets one of the deepest and most talented teams in the league.
The offseason additions coming in the frontcourt suggest that Tari Eason's future may not be in Houston. The talented young forward is entering the final season of his rookie contract, set to make $5.6 million for the 2025-26 season. After showing impressive defensive flashes so far in his career, Eason will have an uphill battle to start and close games in Houston, making him potentially expendable.
Tari Eason Is Expendable After Rockets' Offseason Additions
Eason was one of the best bench players in the league last season, making a huge impact defensively and in transition. He finished the year averaging 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 24.9 minutes per game.
This season, however, he has more competition for playing time. The Rockets are planning on playing more two-big lineups with two of Capela, Steven Adams, and Alperen Sengun. Fitting another poor shooter like Eason into those lineups while Amen Thompson is still around will be a challenge. Plus, Finney-Smith, Durant, and Jabari Smith Jr. make for a challenging competition in the frontcourt for Eason.
If Eason improves his shooting and offensive game, he can still carve out a large role in the rotation. Right now, his fit is slightly questionable in the new-look Rockets. This could force Houston's hand while they contemplate extension negotiations.
There is a world in which Rockets general manager Rafael Stone prefers to trade Eason while his value is high instead of giving him a lucrative, long-term extension. Whether that comes to fruition, however, remains to be seen.