The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and several teams are beginning to draw firm lines and close the door on potential deals. According to Marc Stein’s latest report, the Houston Rockets have made it clear they have no intention of moving one specific forward as the deadline approaches.
Houston Rockets Draw a Hard Line Ahead Of The Trade Deadline
Stein wrote, “If you’re hoping your team makes a play for Houston’s Tari Eason … prepare to be disappointed.”
“Word was emphatically conveyed Monday that any Eason speculation is off target and that the Rockets’ fourth-year forward is not available to interested teams in advance of this deadline.”
Eason was taken 17th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA Draft after his college career at LSU, then signed a four-year, $16.26 million rookie contract. He is set to earn a base salary of $5,675,766 this season. As Sacramento explores reshaping its roster, the Kings have reportedly identified Eason as a potential trade target, intrigued by his development into a dependable, do-it-all contributor and reliable scorer in Houston.
The 24-year-old did not agree to a contract extension before the October deadline and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. With Houston hovering near the luxury tax line, hesitation to meet his price could open the door for rival teams to make a move.
Earlier reports suggested the Chicago Bulls could be interested in acquiring him in a deal that would send Coby White to H-Town. With Fred VanVleet’s season-ending injury, it would have made more sense to move Eason for Houston to pick up a point guard.
The skepticism from rival executives about Eason’s availability stems largely from Houston’s crowded balance sheet, not a lack of talent. With maximum rookie extensions for Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green already on the books, and a massive payday looming for Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets face a complex math problem.
This season, Eason has averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23.7 minutes per game for the Rockets. Shooting-wise, he makes 47.5% from the field and 46.8% from three, which is over 12% better than last season from beyond the arc.
The do-it-all forward has also battled injuries throughout his brief NBA career. He missed the final 51 games of the 2023–24 season while recovering from a benign growth on his left tibia, then dealt with leg issues and concussion protocol absences during the 2024–25 campaign. Most recently, an oblique strain sidelined him for six weeks across November and December of 2025.
The talent is there for all to see when Eason is healthy, but the question is whether he is worth the risk of trading for with his substantial injury troubles.
