Rockets
The Rockets have agreed to a new five-year, $81.5 million contract with restricted free agent forward Tari Eason, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a player option for the fifth season, along with a 10% trade kicker, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Houston selected Eason with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and while injuries have slowed parts of his career, the 25-year-old has developed into one of the league’s better young two-way forwards when healthy.
Eason appeared in 60 games last season, averaging 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals while continuing to establish himself as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He also shot 35.8% from beyond the arc, though he caught fire late in the year after a prolonged shooting slump.
The Rockets reportedly discussed an extension with Eason before last season, but he chose to bet on himself by entering restricted free agency. That gamble appears to have paid off.
Houston has now secured another major piece of its young nucleus, joining Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. on long-term contracts. Amen Thompson is widely expected to be next in line for extension talks.
Thunder
The Thunder are bringing back one of their longest-tenured veterans.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Oklahoma City agreed to a new one-year, $5 million deal with Kenrich Williams after declining his previous team option earlier this week.
Known around Oklahoma City as “Kenny Hustle,” Williams has become a respected locker room leader since arriving in the Steven Adams trade in 2020.
His role has naturally shrunk as the Thunder’s young core has blossomed, but he remained a valuable rotation player last season, averaging 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 56 games.
The new contract also gives Oklahoma City a little salary relief compared to his previous option while keeping an important veteran voice in place.
Suns
The Suns are adding another familiar name to their backcourt depth.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Phoenix has agreed to a two-way contract with guard Pat Spencer.
Spencer spent the past three seasons with the Warriors and emerged as a reliable reserve last season, appearing in a career-high 66 games while averaging 7.2 points and 3.5 assists.
The 29-year-old has one of the NBA’s more unusual paths, starring in college lacrosse before transitioning to basketball and eventually earning a spot in the league.
Phoenix still has another two-way spot available as free agency continues.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position
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