The Houston Rockets and forward Tari Eason have reached agreement on a five-year, $81 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday.

Since playing all 82 games for Houston during his 2022-23 rookie season, Eason was limited to 22 games the following season and 57 in 2024-25 before playing 60 games, including 34 starts, last season.

He averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 2025-26, but his biggest value comes as a highly effective three-and-D wing. Eason's versatility, athleticism and 7’2” wingspan are assets on the defensive end, and he knocked down a career-high 93 3-pointers last season.

Eason earned $5.7 million in 2025-26 in the final team option year of his rookie contract and was very good in the playoffs, averaging 13.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in six games.

The Rockets have locked up three members of their young core to long-term deals. Alperen Sengun is entering the second year of a five-year, $185 million contract and Jabari Smith’s five-year, $122 million rookie scale extension is just getting underway.

Restricted free agent Tari Eason has agreed to a five-year, $81.5 million deal to return to the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. The deal is fully guaranteed for Eason. pic.twitter.com/C3eRhwXis2

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026