, according to well-known NBA reporter Danielle Lerner, many teams have recently expressed strong interest in the Rockets' two young forwards, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. However, the Houston Rockets remain firm about the future of these two players and prefer to keep them in the team for key training.

Although Smith and Eason were affected by injuries to varying degrees in the 2024-25 season and had limited playing time, the potential and fit they showed in their limited appearances were still highly recognized by coach Udoka and the Rockets management. The report pointed out that even with constant calls from the outside world, the Rockets still believe that the two 2022 rookies are part of the team's core reconstruction and have the ability to integrate into the existing tactical system and long-term development value.

Danielle Lerner said in the report: " In my opinion, the Houston Rockets will not send away Smith Jr. and Tari Eason in the next trade . Although many teams are interested in trading, the Rockets' top management values their positive contributions in the limited time on the court, especially the maturity shown on the defensive end and off-ball movement. "

The Rockets are currently in a transitional stage of rebuilding and striving for competitiveness. The management hopes to build a future lineup around core young players such as Shin Kyung, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson. In this context, the offensive and defensive attributes of Smith Jr. and Ethan are the important pieces of the puzzle needed for the team's long-term construction.

In addition, Kelly Iko, a reporter from The Athletic, also mentioned earlier that the Rockets are expected to start preliminary negotiations with the two players on early contract renewal this offseason. According to league regulations, the two players, as rookies entering the league in 2022, are already eligible for early contract renewal this summer. Although the Rockets have a time window to make a final decision before next summer, if the renewal negotiations go smoothly, they are expected to finalize the new contract this year.

In summary, although the market's interest in Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason is gradually heating up, the Rockets seem to have no intention of sending them away. Instead, they plan to regard them as a key part of their mid- to long-term development plan. In the coming offseason, the stay or departure of these two young players and whether to renew their contracts in advance will become one of the focuses of the Rockets' lineup adjustment.