Brooklyn could eye Rockets' Tari Eason, a defensively gifted scorer. Can this restricted free agent elevate the Nets' winning ambitions next season?
Despite recording a 17-48 record through 65 games of the 2025-26 season, the Brooklyn Nets' young core have flashed some grittiness.
Their intriguing wealth of defensive difference-makers spans all positions. Rookie guards Nolan Traoré and Drake Powell are both extremely active with fast feet and hands, while Ziaire Williams, fellow rookie Danny Wolf and others have made an impact both at the basket and as capable perimeter stoppers at the forward and center spots.
With the Nets possibly aiming to stack wins in 2026-27, questions will rise as to who they might target in free agency and on the trade market this summer to fit the group's defensive mindset.
A few options could become available, but one towards the top of the list will likely be fourth-year Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, a soon-to-be restricted free agent.
If the Nets were to make a splash and acquire the 24-year-old via sign-and-trade this offseason, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz believes that he'll immediately gain plenty of favor from head coach Jordi Fernández.
"We'd like to see Eason in an expanded offensive role, as much of his time with this Rockets squad is spent standing in the corner while waiting for the ball," Swartz wrote.
"He'd be an immediate starter with the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, or Los Angeles Lakers if LeBron James leaves as a free agent..."
Though this hypothetical arrival might displace notable All-Star snub Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn landing Eason to man a starting spot on the wing would change the complexion of the team.
Eason enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 through his first 28 appearances, knocking down a blistering 48.8% of his three-point looks and leading the league in three-point percentage for a sizable chunk of the season.
Unfortunately, he's experienced a major slide from an efficiency standpoint over his last 14 games, only connecting on 23.5% of his 4.9 attempts from deep and registering 8.9 points.
His three-point shot may be up and down, but Eason can always be relied upon for his defensive versatility. He's averaged 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks paired with a solid 111 defensive rating per 100 possessions in 42 total games.
There's no doubt that if the three-point shot comes around on a full-time basis for the improving wing, he'll develop into one of the best three-and-D talents in the sport.
For Brooklyn, it might be worth the gamble.
Even with a potential price tag ranging from $100-$120 million once he hits restricted free agency, he's one of the Nets' best options to land a tone-setting wing with real defensive instincts and a solid outside shot.
Pairing Eason and a fantastic drive-and-kick play-maker like Traoré would be wonderful offensively, but the two could wreak havoc together on both sides of the ball.
Eason fits the timeline and could eventually be considered a 'bargain' acquisition down the line for a competitive Nets squad.
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