The Rockets don’t appear ready to let Tari Eason reach unrestricted free agency.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Houston is expected to extend a qualifying offer to Eason, officially making the 24-year-old forward a restricted free agent and giving the Rockets the right to match any offer sheet he receives.
The No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Eason averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while appearing in 60 games last season, including 34 starts. His qualifying offer is worth just over $8 million.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are also expected to retain control of one of their young contributors.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Denver plans to issue a qualifying offer to Spencer Jones, who emerged as a regular part of the rotation after injuries created opportunities throughout the 2025-26 season.
Jones averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from three-point range in 64 appearances. According to Scotto, the Nuggets expect to keep the 25-year-old forward, whose qualifying offer is valued at $2.65 million.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team
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