Rockets Exercise Team Option with Former All-Rookie

The Houston Rockets have decided to bring back forward Jae’Sean Tate for a fifth-year team option. Tate will earn over $7 million in the last year of his rookie contract before hitting free agency in 2025. As the Rockets have been in the midst of a rebuild, it seems as though Tate is part of their plans going forward. Entering next season at age 29, it’s time for Tate to prove himself as a valuable piece in Houston.

As an undrafted rookie, Tate made a name for himself early on in his career. He averaged 11.3 points per game, and 5.3 rebounds per game, all while being a key defensive factor. His size and length, mixed with athletic scoring within the 3-point line propelled Tate into the light as a potential hidden gem. However, Tate took a major step down in 2023-24. With the Rockets stacking up on draft picks and free agents, Tate’s role dwindled in Houston. He started in just nine games and scored only 4.1 points per game in 15.9 minutes a game.

It appears Houston still has plans for Tate in their future with the fifth-year option. With Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Fred VanVleet taking the bulk of the offense, a young roster, and the number three overall pick, Tate has quite the task of carving out a role on the roster. He still offers athleticism and defensive prowess, which can lead to an important position guarding wing threats. Now that the Rockets have rebuilt quite impressively in the last few years, the two parties hope to have found a good pairing to take the next step up in the Western Conference.