The Rockets are exercising forward Jae’Sean Tate‘s team option for next season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). Tate’s option will pay him a base salary of approximately $7.07MM in 2024/25, with $500K in likely incentives bringing his cap hit to $7.57MM.
Tate’s been productive since joining the Rockets in ’20/21, averaging 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 244 games (151 starts) with the franchise. However, his minutes have decreased in each of the subsequent three seasons since he made the All-Rookie Second Team in ’20/21. Last season, he logged just 15.9 minutes per game in his 65 appearances (nine starts).
While the Rockets could just keep Tate as a serviceable and proven backup option, his expiring contract could also come in handy in trade negotiations. Houston is reportedly looking to add star-power to its roster, so being able to use Tate’s $7.6MM salary for matching purposes this offseason or ahead of the deadline makes sense.
The Rockets are also expected to exercise Jeff Green‘s $8MM team option and guarantee Jock Landale‘s $8MM salary for the same reason, as previously reported.
Maybe, but does this make them better?
Adding an All-Star caliber player, possibly yes. Depending upon on who they get and if they fit in this system with the young stars. Paul George is one that I am hopeful of joining the Rockets this year.
He’s declined each year. Probably still a decent player, but obviously no longer in the team’s plans. This move only makes sense to trade his contract