Fans following BD Cricket Match updates also caught wind of major news out of Houston, where the Rockets and young forward Tari Eason failed to agree on an early contract extension before the league’s rookie deadline. Negotiations had stretched late into the night, but by the 6 a.m. cutoff, both sides were still divided over several key terms. According to insider Shams Charania, disagreements centered on contract structure and long-term value, forcing talks to collapse. That means Eason is now on track to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026 — a scenario neither side had hoped for at the start of the offseason.

Team reporter Kelly Iko later revealed that salary expectations were the main stumbling block. The Rockets made multiple offers, including a last-minute proposal just before the deadline expired, but no compromise was reached. The outcome surprised many around the league, especially since Houston had just finalized a two-year, $80 million extension with Kevin Durant earlier in the week — a deal praised for maintaining flexibility in the team’s salary cap. That move seemed to signal momentum for Eason’s renewal, but instead, negotiations stalled, leaving uncertainty about his future role in Houston.

For Eason personally, however, the situation may open new doors. With the 2026 free agency period expected to feature several teams holding substantial cap space, he could have the freedom to explore bigger offers elsewhere. The 24-year-old forward, selected 17th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, continues to show promise as a two-way contributor. Last season, he appeared in 57 regular-season games, averaging 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, and nearly two steals per game — solid numbers for a developing player who thrives on energy and hustle. His defensive awareness and transition play have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top modern forwards, suggesting his market value could rise quickly with continued improvement.

Around the NBA, Eason wasn’t the only player left without a deal. Other 2022 first-rounders such as Jaden Ivey of the Pistons, Bennedict Mathurin of the Pacers, Jeremy Sochan of the Spurs, Walker Kessler of the Jazz, and Peyton Watson of the Nuggets also failed to secure early extensions. For the Rockets, the decision to wait may be strategic — giving them a chance to assess Eason’s growth before committing to long-term money. For Eason, it’s now a challenge and an opportunity rolled into one. As BD Cricket Match analysts summed it up, the coming season could determine whether he earns the next big contract in Houston or becomes one of the league’s most sought-after free agents.