Houston locks in Eason through 2029
The Houston Rockets have reached a fully guaranteed five-year, $81.5 million agreement with restricted free-agent forward Tari Eason, according to ESPN. The contract carries a player option for the fifth season and a 10 percent trade kicker, The Athletic reported.
Eason, 25, was selected 17th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite intermittent injuries, he has become a key two-way contributor, averaging 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals across 60 games last season while shooting 35.8 percent from three-point range. Houston and Eason discussed an extension before last year, but he opted to test restricted free agency—a bet that resulted in a significant payday.
With Eason now under contract alongside Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets have secured another piece of their young core. Guard Amen Thompson is expected to enter extension talks next.
Thunder keep Williams for one more season
The Oklahoma City Thunder have re-signed veteran swingman Kenrich Williams to a one-year, $5 million deal after declining his previous team option earlier in the week, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported.
Known as “Kenny Hustle,” Williams arrived in 2020 via the Steven Adams trade and has since established himself as a respected locker-room voice. He appeared in 56 games last season, averaging 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while providing versatile defense off the bench. The new contract slightly reduces Oklahoma City’s cap hit while preserving a veteran presence on a youthful roster.
Suns sign Pat Spencer to two-way contract
The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a two-way deal with guard Pat Spencer, ESPN reported. The 29-year-old spent the past three seasons with Golden State, posting career highs of 7.2 points and 3.5 assists in 66 games last year.
Spencer followed an unconventional path to the NBA, starring in college lacrosse before transitioning to basketball as a graduate transfer. Phoenix still has one open two-way slot as free agency continues.
Source: Hoops Wire
