NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets' Amen Thompson, Tari Eason 'Labeled off Limits' in Talks

There may come a time when the Houston Rockets need to leverage some of their young stars into more proven talent. There not at that point yet with Amen Thompson or Tari Eason, though.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Friday the Rockets have been indicating to other teams that "they aren't interested in trading much of their young core right now."

"Draft steal Tari Eason, for example, has been drawing attention for the past year but has been labeled off limits, sources said," Windhorst said. "Same for last year's lottery pick Amen Thompson."

He added that Houston broadly "likes its hand" in terms of its roster and an 8-4 start.

Eason, who was limited to 22 appearances in 2023-24, is averaging 12.2 points on 55.0 percent shooting through 12 games. The 23-year-old has become a more efficient scorer without losing his effectiveness on the glass or on defense.

Thompson, meanwhile, is making some positive strides. He's coming off an 18-point and 11-rebound showing in Wednesday's 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Athletic's John Hollinger highlighted how good Eason and Thompson have been together on the floor.

"Units featuring Eason and partner in chaos [Thompson] have outscored opponents by 17.6 points per 100 possessions so far, with a sterling 100.2 defensive rating," he wrote.

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will have to make some tough decisions sooner or later. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, it's going to be tough for Houston to pay all of its younger players.

Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are eligible to become restricted free agents in 2026. Thompson and Cam Whitmore can hit the open market in 2027. A year later, it will be Reed Sheppard's turn. Jalen Green, who has already signed a three-year extension, can opt out as early as 2027 too.

Some sort of consolidation trade is inevitable.

Even assuming ownership is willing to spend into the luxury tax, a team needs to be sure it has a championship-caliber squad if it's going to cope with the penalties stemming from surpassing the first or second tax apron.

As currently constructed, the Rockets are showing promise but will likely need to add at least one big star down the road to become a serious contender.

Stone doesn't need to rush that process right now since simply reaching the playoffs would be a great sign of progress.