Tari Eason Rumors

The Lakers Review: Jake Fischer during his live stream for Bleacher Report today stated the Lakers’ inability to trade for Keon Ellis - whom the team wanted - is an “indicator” to him that they’re not going to be “super aggressive” trying to find perimeter help. He reiterated their desire to maintain cap space for the summer and named Peyton Watson, Bennedict Mathurin, and Tari Eason as potential players they could target amongst other wings that may become available. Jake also mentioned “definitively, the Lakers are ready to move on from LeBron James and I think LeBron James is ready to move on from the Lakers as well. That’s kind of the foregone sentiment in Los Angeles right now about what’s to come this summer.”

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Word was emphatically conveyed Monday that any Eason speculation is off target and that the Rockets' fourth-year forward is not available to interested teams in advance of this deadline.

marcstein.substack.com

Varun Shankar: Udoka says Tari Eason is close to getting off minutes restriction. Expect a longer runway for DFS as he tries to get his rhythm back. Udoka compared that situation to how they handled Steven Adams' recovery last season (Adams averaged <15mpg in each month until March).

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Houston, according to team sources, has had discussions with around half the league — with more incoming and outgoing calls expected over the next 10 days as the Feb. 5 trade deadline draws closer — but doesn't have any firm offer in either direction that is cause for serious internal discussion. What they do have is an understanding of what they are willing to do and an inkling of what teams want. For instance, the Rockets received a number of calls surrounding Tari Eason prior to him becoming a starter, sources say — as well as inquiries on summer additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela — but nothing, as mentioned earlier, was concrete.

Yahoo! Sports

MrBuckBuck: Deni Avdija about the "Zebras" thing (that the refs helped him to get to the free throw line): "It made me laugh, for real. Honestly, let's address it. I drive the most in the league, I'm very physical, I don't shy away from contact. I'm going downhill. I don't care who's in front of me, I'm going straight through him. I don't play for those fouls, but I'm going to get fouled. It's a part of the game. I can't control it. I'm very aggressive. I initiate the contact, and that's my game. I'm just saying, if it's hard to stop, you've got to own it or do something else. But I'm very humble, I work hard and I make the right play every time. I wouldn't say it was an excuse, it was just ... [Eason] was emotional after the game, so I didn't take it like that. I've been emotional after losses, too, so I get it. But it's fun that we overcame it."

Twitter

Oh No He Didn't: Tari on what makes Deni hard to defend: "Zebras (3x)" ??

bsky.app

Tari Eason attacks the boards on both ends, which feeds into Houston’s identity as a big, tough team that bullies people in the paint. “He’s very unique and he impacts the game even if you don’t call plays for him all the time,” Udoka said. “We’re starting to add him to more things, whether he’s a (ball) handler or a screener. He’s going crash the glass at a high level, like a lot of our guys. He’s shooting the ball extremely well, so the spacing is going to be good with him.”

New York Times

Vanessa Richardson: No Alperen Sengun vs the Cavs tonight. Steven Adams starts in his place. Tari Eason will once again start.

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Michael Shapiro: That was a fun postgame press conference with Tari Eason. Said he was happy “Ime finally trusted me,” with a start in his hometown. Does Eason want to be a full-time starter? “Yes. Yes I do.” Why? Our full chat with Tari ⬇️

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Will Guillory: Tari Eason will not play tonight vs Pelicans, per Ime Udoka

Twitter

The Rockets have upgraded Tari Eason (right oblique strain) to questionable for Thursday's game against New Orleans.

HoopsHype

These latest moves have been additive, with the Rockets having built this post-James Harden era core by way of the draft (Alperen Şengün at No. 16 in 2021, Jabari Smith Jr. third in 2022, Tari Eason 17th in 2022, Amen Thompson fourth in 2023, Reed Sheppard third in 2024). “They have drafted well, built a deep team in a tough Western Conference while managing tax aprons,” said one executive who voted the Rockets second. “(They) hired a good coach and built an overall team identity, then added KD for cheap. “From where they were only a few years ago, they have done a good job turning it around.” Said another, who also voted the Rockets second: “High-end talent, a willingness to be bold, (and) good asset management.” — Sam Amick

New York Times

Michael Shapiro: Two @HoustonRockets injury updates - Dorian Finney-Smith now “starting to ramp it up,” with live action in practice. Houston eyes January return for DFS Finney-Smith hasn’t played in 2025-26 after ankle surgery - Houston hopes Tari Eason (oblique) returns late this month

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Michael Scotto: Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason has a strained oblique and will miss 4-6 weeks, coach Ime Udoka told reporters after practice. Eason, who'll be a 2026 restricted free agent, is averaging 11.5 points on a career-high 49.5% from the field and 50.9% from 3-point range in 11 games

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