Tari Eason Signs Five-Year USD 81 Million Contract With Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are keeping core forward Tari Eason long term after agreeing a five-year contract worth $81 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The restricted free agent remains in Houston following a strong 2025-26 season and an impressive playoff contribution.

This deal continues Houston’s strategy of securing young talent on extended contracts. Alperen Sengun is already in the second season of a five-year, $185 million agreement, while Jabari Smith has started a five-year, $122 million rookie scale extension, giving the Rockets a settled young frontcourt.

Charania detailed the agreement on 3 July 2026, reporting that the full value is guaranteed for Eason. The forward previously earned $5.7 million in 2025-26, the final team option year on the rookie contract signed after the 2022 NBA Draft.

Eason’s new deal follows a season where the forward averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. Eason played 60 games with 34 starts in 2025-26 after earlier injury-hit campaigns, when Eason appeared in only 22 games, then 57 games during the 2024-25 season.

Eason is viewed as a modern three-and-D wing who offers switchable defence. Eason’s athleticism, versatility and 7-foot-2 wingspan help Houston on the perimeter and inside. Eason also hit a career-best 93 three-pointers last season, adding reliable spacing around Sengun and Smith.

That shooting carried into the postseason, where Eason averaged 13.8 points and 6.7 rebounds across six playoff games. Those numbers supported the decision to offer a fully guaranteed contract and underline Eason’s role in Houston’s plans under the current coaching staff.

Eason first appeared in every game of the 2022-23 rookie season, playing all 82 contests. Injury issues then reduced availability before the bounce-back 2025-26 campaign. With the new deal in place, Houston now has Eason, Sengun and Smith tied down as a central trio.