Rockets’ fan favorite labeled most likely candidate for fresh start in 2025-26

The Houston Rockets are preparing to contend for a title in the 2025-26 season after trading for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in June. 

Despite losing in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Rockets are coming off a second-place finish in the 2024-25 regular season. The team has several rising stars and a loaded frontcourt after its offseason acquisitions, but that could lead to more moves during the season.

The club is stacked at the forward spots, with Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith in the frontcourt. However, this could lead to a fan favorite in Jae’Sean Tate being traded midseason. 

MORE: Rockets' $50 million point guard named trade candidate by NBA writer

Jae’Sean Tate named Rockets' top trade candidate

With the Rockets having a stacked frontcourt, Jed Katz of SI.com believes Tate, who re-signed with the organization on a one-year, $3 million deal this summer, could be moved. 

“Tate was rumored to be moved last season, but remained buried on Houston’s bench,” he wrote. “He averaged just 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds across 52 games with few highlights amid limited minutes. There simply isn’t room for him to make the same impact he did years ago.” 

Tate was extremely productive during his first two seasons in the league after going undrafted in 2018 and making his debut in the 2020-21 campaign. During that two-year span, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals across 27.8 minutes per game. 

Despite a solid start to his NBA career, the 29-year-old forward has seen a decline in playing time in each year since his debut. Still, he has showcased his potential and could provide a real spark off the bench elsewhere. 

If the Rockets are looking to solve their logjam at forward, trading Tate seems like a viable option for both sides. 

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