ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 28: Jae’Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate was assigned to the Rockets’ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Per reports, the decision was mutual between the two parties, giving Tate the opportunity to obtain more playing time and regain his rhythm following offseason ankle surgery. Thus far this season, Tate has not been able to crack Ime Udoka’s rotation despite injuries to forwards Dorian Finney-Smith (signed as a free agent in the offseason) and Tari Eason. The Rockets are considered to be one of the deepest teams in the league, especially at Tate’s position.
A demotion of this sort is unusual and rare for a healthy veteran. Tate was signed to a one year, $2.67 million contract with the Rockets this past offseason utilizing the veteran minimum exception. Since his arrival in Houston back in 2020, Tate has been praised by coaches and teammates alike for his professionalism and presence in the lockerroom.
Tate was originally signed to a two-year, $2.96 million contract back in 2020 as one of the lone bright spots on a rebuilding Rockets team looking to find its way in the aftermath of James Harden’s departure. In 2022, he was then rewarded with a three year, $20.63 million contract. The unique aspect of that deal was that the final year had a club option for $7.56 million, effectively making it an expiring contract in the 2024-2025 season. It was believed that if the Rockets were to make a blockbuster trade in-season, they could use Tate’s salary for aggregate purposes while providing financial relief to the recipient team.
Tate was then brought back this past summer as a veteran presence. Tate’s career with the Rockets never took off in the manner many believed it would after an impressive rookie season during which he was named to the All-Rookie first team, making him the first Rockets player to earn that honor since Luis Scola in 2008. A rugged defender with a relentless motor, the primary reason for Tate’s career struggles has been his inability to develop a consistent outside shot. For his career, Tate is a 30.8% shooter from long distance.