More than 20 million? Fans are ecstatic? The Rockets are really incomprehensible!

According to reporter Shams:

"Tari Eason and the Rockets have not reached a contract extension and will become a restricted free agent next summer."

This news is indeed a bit surprising. What's more, many Rockets fans applauded online:

"Eason is not worth an annual salary of 20 million"!

Judging from the performance of the game, this statement is indeed somewhat magical. As a rising star who averages 12 points and 6 rebounds per game, he is not even considered worthy of 20 million. It's hard not to make people wonder, did those who shouted "Give up Ethan" really watch the game?

According to detailed reports, the Rockets and Ethan failed to reach an early contract extension before the deadline. During the process, the two parties negotiated for several rounds, but still had differences on the contract amount, guaranteed years, and incentive terms. This also means that Ethan will become a restricted free agent next summer. At that time, he can freely negotiate with any team, and the Rockets only have the right to match.

According to common sense, this situation is really risky for the Rockets. After all, for such a young striker, once he enters the free market, many teams will inevitably enter the competition. If other teams offer high prices, either the Rockets will forcefully take over, or they will have to watch the players they have worked so hard to cultivate be poached.

As for whether Tali Eason should leave or stay, we can compare it:

Referring to recent signing news, the Trail Blazers and forward Kamara reached a four-year, 82 million contract.

For this 25-year-old young striker, he was selected by the Suns with the 52nd pick in the second round of 2023, and then moved to the Trail Blazers. He played 78 games last season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The overall performance is good, but combined with the team's reconstruction situation, his data is still quite satisfactory. He is the kind of role player who can shoot and defend, but is not particularly outstanding.

But even so, Kamara still received a four-year contract extension worth 82 million yuan in advance, with an average annual salary of 20.5 million yuan.

On the other hand, Tali Eason, who is one year younger, as the No. 17 pick in the first round in 2022, averaged 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game last season, shooting 48.7% from the field and 34.2% from the three-point range. If injuries hadn't caused him to miss a lot of games, this stat sheet could even support his entry into the All-Defensive Team.

Don't forget, Ethan is only 24 years old. He has both athletic ability and physical talent. He can defend from 1 to 4, and he is also quite good at handling the ball and attacking on his own. It is no exaggeration to say that this is the kind of all-purpose striker that can be plug-and-play on any team.

In comparison, Kamara's offensive and defensive efficiency was not as good as his in 82 games, but he was able to get an annual salary of 20 million, but Ethan was regarded as expensive by thousands of people. This is really a logic disorder.

Referring to the Rockets' contract renewal issues for young players in recent years, they have always been quite decisive. Previously, Jaylen Green's performance had been ups and downs, but he still received a large contract with an average salary of 35 million; and the contract renewals of Shen Jing, Jabari Jr. and others were also smooth; but when it was Ethan's turn, the Rockets suddenly began to hesitate, fearing to spend an extra penny.

Of course, it is not difficult to understand the Rockets' concerns. Perhaps because of Ethan's inconsistent attendance, he has missed many games in the past two seasons due to foot injuries and muscle strains. But looking back, if Ethan can remain completely stable in terms of data and attendance, his worth will not be 20 million, but may need to go up to 30 million.

The Rockets are hesitant to renew this contract, largely because they are afraid of making a mistake. But if you want to succeed in the NBA, how can you not gamble? If you don't give it to Ethan now, other teams will rush to give it to him, and it will probably cost more by then. However, there are also voices supporting the Rockets in public opinion. At this stage, the Rockets have too many people at the forward position, and Ethan is suffering from injuries. Choosing him early may indeed be a bit risky.

So the question arises: Is Tali Eason worth 20 million?

Judging from the content of the game, Ethan is indeed not the kind of star who leads the team by himself, but he is indeed a high-quality puzzle piece that can complete the team. He is active on the defensive end, has fast rotation speed, and has long hands and feet. Although he does not have many chances to hold the ball in offense, he can make steady contributions by relying on air cuts, fast breaks, and rebounding.

If we reach the playoffs and face a high-intensity series, there are really too many things that Ethan can do; and based on the market conditions, the annual salary of 20 million for such a player is really not much. After all, every high-quality 3D player in the current league is priced at a high price, not to mention that he still has room for growth.

In the final analysis, the reason behind this failed contract renewal case is not whether Ethan is worth it, but mainly whether the current Rockets dare to take the gamble. They are currently in the transition stage from a young team to a favorite to compete for the championship. What the management needs to do is not to calculate the price difference of millions, but to make bold moves and act decisively.

If the Rockets really let Ethan test the free market next year, if other teams offer a four-year contract worth 90 million or even higher, then the Rockets will either offer a high price to match and keep him, or they can only watch him leave. But now that the Rockets think he is not worth 20 million, he may very well become the core rotation of other teams.

Personally, the Rockets should be bolder this time. Although Ethan is not a superstar, he is still an indispensable piece of the Rockets puzzle. And by keeping him, the Rockets may have a more complete future; but if they miss him, they may have to sigh a few years later:

"If I had known better, I should have signed him."