What happened: Tari Eason has agreed to return to the Houston Rockets on a fully guaranteed five-year, $81.5 million contract. The fifth season is a player option.

Why it matters: The agreement keeps a 25-year-old rotation forward in Houston through much of his prime. It also removes Eason from restricted free agency as the Rockets shape their roster for 2026-27.

What to watch: The contract must be formally completed. Houston can now turn its attention to the rest of its offseason roster work.