What’s Next for Tari Eason in the 2025-2026 Season?
As the basketball world turns its attention to Tari Eason, a rising star with tremendous potential, one question looms large: what does the future hold for him in the upcoming 2025-2026 NBA season?
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 20: Tari Eason, wearing jersey #17 for the Houston Rockets, electrified fans with a stunning dunk against the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. This memorable moment not only showcased his athleticism but also highlighted the potential that accompanies his career.
Although Eason has not secured a contract extension as of yet, his time on the court has exhibited his ability to be a game-changer. Advanced metrics like net rating signal that, when fit, he stands among the league's most significant contributors. However, it’s worth noting the critical caveat: his health. After having a stellar debut season in 2022-2023, where he played all 82 games, he faced challenges in 2023-2024, appearing in only 22 games due to surgery stemming from a stress reaction in his left shin. Thankfully, he demonstrated resilience last season by participating in 68 games, albeit missing 14 due to minor injuries and required rest days.
When speaking to the media during the Rockets’ media day, Eason confidently expressed his eagerness for increased playing time and more chances to shine. With Fred VanVleet sidelined due to an ACL injury, an opportunity has emerged for him to step into a starting role. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. are already solidified as four of the starting five positions. Dorian Finney-Smith's expected absence following ankle surgery opens the door for Eason, alongside sophomore guard Reed Sheppard and seasoned point guard Aaron Holiday, to compete for that last coveted starting spot.
During his last season, Eason compiled impressive averages, producing 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game over an average of 24.9 minutes on the floor. He showcased his efficiency scoring, hitting 48.7% of his shots from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc. His performance drew widespread attention as part of the dynamic duo known as the “Terror Twins,” where he partnered with Thompson to effectively disrupt opposing offenses with their stifling defense on the perimeter.
According to the collective bargaining agreement within the league, Eason has until October 31, 2025, the eve of the new season, to negotiate a rookie-scale contract extension. Failing to reach an agreement means he will continue into the 2025-2026 season on the fourth year of his existing rookie deal, after which he could enter restricted free agency in the summer of 2026, assuming the Rockets extend a qualifying offer.
In a parallel development, Smith recently secured a lucrative five-year, $122 million extension with the Rockets. Despite arguments suggesting that Eason could be the more talented player in this comparison, lingering concerns about his injury history may keep his market value from soaring. Nevertheless, an estimated average annual salary of approximately $20 million for Eason appears to be a fair expectation.
With the recent trades that moved Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix as part of the deal acquiring Durant, Eason, similar to Smith, is poised for increased opportunities to handle the ball and make significant contributions. As he gears up for the season, he is determined to seize these chances to showcase his talent and prove his worth in the league.
So, what do you think about Eason's outlook for the upcoming season? Will he be able to overcome the challenges and maximize his potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s dive into the discussion!
