The NBA offseason is heating up, and for the Houston Rockets, one of the biggest storylines revolves around a key young piece of their roster. After a second consecutive disappointing playoff exit, changes could be on the horizon for the team. But according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports, one move that seems increasingly likely is the retention of forward Tari Eason.

Eason, who just wrapped up his fourth NBA season, is set to enter restricted free agency. However, the Rockets have made it clear they want to keep him in the fold. Team sources indicate that once the 2026 NBA Finals conclude, Houston plans to re-engage in contract talks with the 24-year-old, aiming to strike a long-term deal before the July 1 deadline.

This isn't a new conversation. The Rockets and Eason previously attempted to reach an extension before the season, but those talks fell through. Both sides understood that revisiting the matter after the year was always a possibility. And with Eason's restricted status, Houston holds a crucial card—they can match any offer sheet he signs elsewhere.

For Eason, the connection to Houston runs deep. "It's tough to say I didn't think about it," he admitted to reporters after the Rockets' season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "You definitely think about it. I was drafted here. I've grown up here. My family is here. I love Houston."

The Rockets' confidence in Eason is notable, especially considering his injury history. In his second and third seasons, a recurring issue with his lower left leg sidelined him for significant stretches, making him something of a risk in extension talks. But this season, the 6-foot-8 forward put those concerns to rest. He appeared in 66 games (regular season and playoffs combined), proving his durability and two-way value.

If Eason and the Rockets can't find common ground on a new deal, the team is expected to match any offer sheet he receives. That's a strong signal of how much they value his contributions on both ends of the floor. For a Rockets squad looking to take the next step, keeping a versatile, homegrown talent like Eason could be the foundation of a brighter future.