Both Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are eligible for contract extensions this offseason, though Houston could wait until 2026, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
With each coming off their third NBA seasons, Houston Rockets forwards Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are eligible for contract extensions as of July 1.
Both players were drafted in the 2022 first round.
Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets will engage in negotiations with both players this offseason. However, in the event that a deal isn’t reached, it appears Houston is comfortable waiting until restricted free agency in 2026.
According to team sources, they are comfortable matching any offer that would come for either in restricted free agency in 2026, assuming that a deal isn’t agreed upon this offseason. Eason and Smith have been key cogs in Ime Udoka’s setup, with a two-way, unselfish approach that meshes well with the roster.
Beyond financial terms, the other variable to consider could be trade optionality. In the 2024 offseason, the Rockets reached extension agreements with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun — which made them very difficult to trade during the 2024-25 season but more movable in the 2025 offseason.
Should the Rockets take Eason and/or Smith into restricted free agency in 2026, they could not be traded that offseason without the player’s consent on a destination, since each would be a free agent. However, it would be much easier to trade them between now and then.
On the other hand, if the Rockets signed Smith and/or Eason to extensions in the 2025 offseason, they would be difficult to trade during the 2025-26 season but more easily movable in the 2026 offseason.
Having optimal financial terms for each player’s value is the most important variable to the Rockets. However, future transaction windows are a subplot worth monitoring.
Both Eason and Smith finished the 2024-25 season coming off Houston’s bench. Smith averaged 12.2 points (43.8% FG, 35.4% on 3-pointers) and 7.0 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game, while Eason averaged 12.0 points (48.7% FG, 34.2% on 3-pointers) and 6.4 rebounds in 24.9 minutes.
As the No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 draft class, Smith will make $12.4 million next season. Eason, the No. 17 selection, will earn $5.7 million on the final year of his rookie-scale contract. Any new contract agreement would start with the 2026-27 season.