The Houston Rockets have to start thinking about Kevin Durant and his future, but hope to sort out another youngster’s future before that.
The Houston Rockets have put in a lot of work on their roster this offseason, but perhaps no acquisition was more important than that of Kevin Durant.
The Rockets traded for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in June, adding an elite first option to their squad after winning 52 games last season.
However, Durant is in the final year of his contract. It appears the two sides are in talks over a new deal, with Durant open to taking a $22 million pay cut to stay with the Rockets.
But before signing that deal, the Rockets want to secure another young star’s future, as he is also in the final year of his contract.
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty ImagesHouston Rockets looking to re-sign Tari Eason before Kevin Durant extension
According to Jake Fischer, the Houston Rockets want to extend Tari Eason’s contract before they negotiate with Kevin Durant.
The Rockets have until October 20th to negotiate with Eason, and he could get a four-year deal in the process. Knowing how much they owe Eason will help them negotiate with Durant.
“I’ve likewise heard that the Rockets would prefer to secure an extension with Tari Eason before finalizing their widely expected two-year pact with Kevin Durant.
“If Durant’s deal gets done first, that’s no real issue. Durant can only sign for a maximum of two more seasons in accordance with the league’s over-38 rule after he turned 37 on Sept. 29.
“But bear in mind that Eason would likely receive a four-year deal if an extension can be hashed out…
“Houston would relish knowing exactly how the books look with an extended Eason before doing the two-year deal that Durant himself announced on Monday that he expects to land.”
Houston Rockets expect Tari Eason to compete for 6MOY, Kevin Durant says he was snubbed by ESPN
It isn’t just the Houston Rockets front office that thinks highly of Tari Eason. New arrival Josh Okogie backed Eason to win the Sixth Man of the Year award next season.
And a few days ago, Kevin Durant blasted ESPN for snubbing Tari Eason from their top 100 players list. Durant praised Eason for being a pro’s pro and said he is a true player.
“Tari is one of those players you really gotta sit there and watch… People in real basketball circles, that value the game and understand the game, they know what he brings to the table.”
Kevin Durant agrees Tari Eason was snubbed from ESPN’s NBA 100 list.
“Tari is one of those players you really gotta sit there and watch. … People in real basketball circles, that value the game and understand the game, they know what he brings to the table.” https://t.co/dK9LQ0Rb8n pic.twitter.com/Cwir1IMOfW
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) October 2, 2025
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Last season, Eason came off the bench to deliver 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. If his numbers take a jump this season, he could genuinely be an award contender.
Expect the Rockets to try and secure a new deal with Eason in the weeks to come, as they look to build a long-term contender in H-Town.