​Rockets’ $81.5 million man silences doubters with fiery social media post originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Houston Rockets have chosen to keep the core of last season’s roster intact. As part of that commitment, the franchise recently made a significant decision regarding Tari Eason.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEason has officially signed a new contract to remain with the Rockets. The forward recently agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $81.5 million extension that keeps him in Houston for the foreseeable future.However, after news of the deal became public, several critics questioned whether Eason deserved the contract. The Rockets forward eventually broke his silence on X, firing back at those who had been criticizing both his game and his new deal.“So many opinions on my game yall.. I swear to god you couldn’t walk a mile in my shoes yall can’t even be great at the lil things at your own respective jobs only no one cares what yall do,” Eason wrote.Before reaching the agreement, Eason entered the offseason as a restricted free agent and drew interest from multiple teams around the league. Despite having the opportunity to explore outside offers, he ultimately chose to remain in Houston without signing an external offer sheet. The new contract further establishes him as a key piece of the Rockets’ core alongside Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring the 2025-26 regular season, Eason appeared in 60 games and averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Eason took on an even bigger role during the playoffs, earning starts in Houston’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Over that series, Eason averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.Klay Thompson’s $17.5 million future with Mavericks hangs in the balance – here’s whyWhy Klay Thompson could be heading to Miami with LeBron James in the mixSpurs officially move on from young forward in unexpected roster shakeupKevin Durant warns Eastern Conference as 76ers form new Big 3Chet Holmgren takes subtle shot at Victor Wembanyama after Spain win