The Rockets are about to renew their contract with the forward gate, and his annual salary will be lower than the second-hand man in the past?

According to the report of Jake Fischer, a well-known reporter of the American media The Stein Line, the Houston Rockets hope to complete an early renewal with Tari Eason before finalizing a new contract with Kevin Durant, so that the team can clearly know the team's salary space status in the next few seasons.

Fischer said that at this stage, the Rockets are more inclined to complete a contract renewal with Ethan first, and then make a major commitment to Durant, who was selected as the All-Star in his career 15 times. If the Rockets can reach a contract renewal agreement with Ethan during this period, then Ethan will likely get a four-year contract, with player options expected in the last year of the contract. Fischer also added that league salary strategists believe Ethan's new contract will be lower than the early renewal ($24.4 million) given to another forward star Jabari Smith Jr. earlier this year. This summer, Smith Jr. signed a five-year contract extension with the Rockets, totaling $122 million, which does not include any team or player options.

In the NBA regular season last season, Ethan played 57 games in 82 games, averaging 24.9 minutes per game, averaging 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.1 turnovers and 2.4 fouls, shooting percentage of 48.7%, three-point shooting percentage of 34.2%, and free throw shooting percentage of 76%. In the playoffs, Ethan played 7 games in total, with averaging 18.9 minutes per game, averaging 7.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1 block, and 1.4 turnovers and 1.9 fouls. His shooting percentage was 47.7%, three-point shooting percentage was 36.8%, and his free throw shooting percentage was 50%.

In the NBA regular season last season, Smith played 57 games in 82 games, averaging 30.1 minutes per game, averaging 12.2 points, 7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.8 blocks, and 1.1 turnovers and 2.2 fouls, shooting percentage of 43.8%, three-point shooting percentage of 35.4%, and free throw shooting percentage of 82.5%. During the playoffs, Smith played 7 games in total, with averaging 20.5 minutes per game, averaging 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.1 steals and 0.7 blocks, and 1.4 turnovers and 0.9 fouls. He shot 50% from the field, 45.5% from three-point shooting percentage and 80% from free throws.

In fact, this news is more or less surprising. Judging from the situation last season, Ethan's overall performance is several levels higher than Smith. Ethan has a more comprehensive scoring ability on the offensive end, and his impact is also more prominent. On the defensive end, Ethan is the league's top outside defender, and his contribution and versatility on the defensive end are far more than Smith. In contrast, Smith's ability is a bit mediocre, and his overall performance and progress speed are somewhat lower than everyone expected. Ethan's new contract salary is lower than Smith. Is he really willing to renew the contract with the Rockets with such a contract?