Ben DuBose

2 weeks ago | rocketswire.usatoday.com | Ben DuBose

With each coming off their third NBA seasons, Houston Rockets forwards Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are eligible for contract extensions as of July 1. Both players were drafted in the 2022 first round. Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets will engage in negotiations with both players this offseason. However, in the event that a deal isn’t reached, it appears Houston is comfortable waiting until restricted free agency in 2026.

2 weeks ago | rocketswire.usatoday.com | Ben DuBose

The Rockets will be a much more expensive team in the NBA’s 2025-26 season, owing largely to salary increases for Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Depending on moves this offseason, Houston could be in luxury tax territory. The Rockets also have at least two younger prospects — Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore — that they would like to find more minutes for.

3 weeks ago | rocketswire.usatoday.com | Ben DuBose

Though he was the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 first round, Reed Sheppard played only sparingly for the 2024-25 Houston Rockets. Unlike most high picks, who are drafted by the NBA’s worst teams and have minimal competition for minutes, Sheppard joined a playoff-bound squad that was only selecting that high because of a draft choice they had previously acquired from the Brooklyn Nets. But that doesn’t mean that the 20-year-old lacks a path forward with the Rockets.

3 weeks ago | sports.yahoo.com | Ben DuBose

Though he was the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 first round, rookie guard Reed Sheppard played only sparingly for the 2024-25 Houston Rockets. Unlike most high picks, who are drafted by the NBA’s worst teams and have minimal competition for minutes, Sheppard joined a playoff-bound squad that was only selecting that high because of a draft choice they had previously acquired from Brooklyn. AdvertisementBut that doesn’t mean that there isn't a path forward for Sheppard with the Rockets.

3 weeks ago | rocketswire.usatoday.com | Ben DuBose

Former point guard DJ Augustin is joining the Rockets in a front-office capacity, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reported Thursday. Houston’s front office is led by general manager Rafael Stone, who has been in that position since late 2020. Now 37 years old, Augustin is a veteran of 14 NBA seasons as a player, during which he averaged 9.5 points (38.1% on 3-pointers) and 3.9 assists in 23.4 minutes per game.