Home / Sports / Tari Eason Signs $81.5M Deal: Rockets Secure Key Defender
Tari Eason Signs $81.5M Deal: Rockets Secure Key Defender
3 Jul
Summary
- Tari Eason agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million contract.
- The deal includes a player option and a 10% trade kicker.
- Eason's contract pushes the Rockets past the luxury tax line.
Forward Tari Eason and the Houston Rockets have agreed to a five-year contract valued at $81.5 million. League sources reported the agreement on Thursday, July 3, 2026. This fully guaranteed deal includes a player option for the fifth year and a 10 percent trade kicker. Eason, a restricted free agent entering the offseason, secured long-term security despite a history of injuries in his first few years.
Drafted 17th overall in 2022, Eason proved to be an effective role player with his perimeter defense and size. Although he played all 82 games in his rookie season, he has only appeared in 139 of 246 regular-season games over the past three seasons. His versatility as a defender and reliable energy source are vital to the Rockets' identity under coach Ime Udoka.
Eason's performance last season showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 12.2 points and shooting a league-best 47.2% from three in his first 30 games. However, his shooting significantly declined after the All-Star break, making only 24 of 110 three-point attempts (21.8%). This slump may have influenced his decision to accept a contract lower than initially projected.
This new deal, along with other recent additions, is expected to place the Rockets over the luxury tax line and the first apron. If no further salary-cutting moves are made, this will be the team's first season operating under the new first-apron system.
