The Houston Rockets are entering the 2025 offseason with fascinating questions. They took a massive step forward last season, going from a lottery team to a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Now, they need to take an even harder step forward to truly become a championship contender.
That requires nailing their offseason decisions. What GM Rafael Stone and the Rockets' top brass decide to do with Fred VanVleet's team option, Steven Adams' free agency, and Jalen Green's future with the team will determine what the team will look like going forward.
Certain offseason decisions, however, are easier than others. For the Rockets, Jae'Sean Tate's free agency is one of those.
Jae'Sean Tate's Time With the Rockets Likely Coming to an End
The 29-year-old combo forward's contract is expiring this summer, and it's safe to assume that he will be out of Houston.
Tate is a developmental success story for the Rockets. After signing him as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2020, the Rockets helped turn Tate into a solid role player. In his first year in the NBA, Tate made the All-Rookie First Team, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
He eventually earned himself a three-year, $22.1 million extension in the 2022 offseason, but Tate gradually fell out of favor in Houston as the team improved. As the Rockets started winning more, Tate's lack of shooting and offensive versatility started to become an issue. Combine that with his undersized physical frame, playing forward at six-foot-four, and Tate became difficult to play for head coach Ime Udoka.
The former Ohio State standout still has a place in the NBA. He plays hard, is a good defender, and can contribute in different aspects of the game. He is simply a poor fit with the Rockets, who already have plenty of players with shooting deficiencies.
Another team should give Tate a chance, but it's hard to see his future in Houston beyond this offseason.