Tari Eason remains with the Houston Rockets for now, despite uncertainty surrounding his future after unsuccessful extension negotiations. The 6’8″ forward’s injury history has been a sticking point, leading to challenges in securing a deal between him and the team.
Eason has been a significant contributor to Houston’s performance when healthy, but he has already missed 20 games this season. This has led to speculation about his potential trade ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Amid rumors linking the Rockets to a trade for Chicago Bulls guard Coby White to address their point guard needs, the Rockets have made it clear that Eason will not be part of any deal. Their willingness to maintain Eason, despite injury risks, indicates a desire to keep him on the roster for the long-term.
This season, Eason has averaged 12.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while achieving a career-high shooting percentage of 46.8% from beyond the arc. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as his energy and defensive skills make him a valuable asset to the team.
The Rockets’ cautious approach to roster decisions reflects their ambition to continue building a competitive team while aiming to re-sign Eason to a long-term contract this summer. Their commitment to retaining him speaks to the potential they see in his talent and contributions.