The Houston Rockets have entered a very intriguing offseason. After surprisingly losing in the first round to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, there remain plenty of questions about what’s next for the Rockets to truly establish themselves as contenders.
It seems as if the Rockets are going to keep most of their group from this past season together and “run it back” healthy. The team dealt with some big injuries, most notably to starting point guard Fred VanVleet for the entire season and Kevin Durant for most of the playoffs, besides backup center Steven Adams.
The young core of players led the way in the playoffs and ultimately came up shorter than they wanted. Trade rumors have been floating around for Alperen Sengun and even Kevin Durant, but based on the end-of-season press conference, there likely won’t be any of those significant moves.
The Rockets will still make some changes to the roster. As hinted by coach Ime Udoka, there are some “duplicates” on the team. That will need to be addressed, while adding more scoring and shooting.
Here are three players who will more than likely not be on the roster next season.
1. Jae’Sean Tate: The Longest-Tenured Rocket on His Way Out
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) argues with a referee against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Let’s start with the player who has been in Houston the longest.
Jae’Sean Tate has been on the Rockets since James Harden’s last season in 2020-21. He was a rookie that year. He’s seen it all – the end of the Harden era, the rebuild, the rise of the young core, and now the Durant experiment.
But his role has steadily diminished. Tate started 77 games in 2021-22 and averaged close to 12 points and five rebounds per game. This past season, he averaged just 8.8 minutes per game. He played in 46 games and had one start while averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds.
The turning point? The end of Game 3 in the playoffs.
With the Rockets up six points and less than 30 seconds left, Tate inexplicably fouled Marcus Smart at the three-point line. It was a boneheaded play. Udoka was visibly furious. The moment felt like the final nail in the coffin for Tate’s time in Houston.
Tate signed a one-year, $2.67 million deal last July. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Rockets don’t really have a need to bring him back.
Former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham famously called Tate a “bowling ball” due to his tough intensity on the court. Sometimes that intensity doesn’t result in the smartest plays.
At 30 years old, Tate can still help a team. He’s a physical defender. He plays hard. But in Houston, his minutes have disappeared. It’s time for a fresh start.
2. Jeff Green: “Uncle Jeff” May Finally Ride Off into the Sunset
Let’s talk about a fan favorite.
Jeff Green, fondly called “Uncle Jeff” in Houston, will be 40 years old when next season starts. He’s an 18-year NBA veteran. He’s played for 11 different teams. He’s seen everything.
The Rockets signed him to a one-year, $3.63 million deal last June. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The question is whether he wants to keep playing – or whether the Rockets want him back.
Green was a great signing back in 2023. He provided key experience and leadership for a young team. He became a beloved figure among the Rockets. His effect was primarily felt off the court in establishing a winning culture.
But on the court? He averaged less than six minutes per game in 30 appearances this past season. He started just nine games over three seasons.
The Rockets have other veterans on the team: Durant, VanVleet, Adams, Clint Capela, and Dorian Finney-Smith. They don’t need Green for leadership anymore. The young core has grown up.
Could Green be brought back? Sure. He’s a professional. But his roster spot could be used for someone who could actually get playing time.
Retirement might be the best option for “Uncle Jeff.” And if it is, he’ll leave behind a legacy as one of the most respected journeymen in NBA history.
3. Josh Okogie: A Tough Decision Based on Price
Let’s discuss the most difficult decision on this list.
Josh Okogie was great for Houston whenever he was on the floor this past season. He was always productive. The signing of Okogie last offseason to a one-year, $3.08 million deal turned out to be a great move.
He played in 78 regular season games and started 32 of them while averaging over 17 minutes per game. He even made two playoff starts due to Durant’s injury and was just as good on that stage.
Okogie averaged 4.5 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting a career-high 38.5% from three. He’s also been a reliable wing defender.
So why would the Rockets move on? Because Okogie had a great season, and that means he’ll have a higher price tag this offseason. Many teams will be interested in the veteran’s talents.
The Rockets have a plethora of wing players. They need more guard depth and higher-level shooting. They also need to get a contract done for Tari Eason, who seems to be in their long-term plans.
Okogie is a luxury, not a necessity. And the Rockets may not be willing to pay what he’ll command on the open market.
The Young Core: Sengun, Thompson, Smith, Sheppard
Let’s not forget the players the Rockets are building around.
Alperen Sengun is a 23-year-old center who averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds. He’s a skilled post player with elite passing vision. He’s the future.
Amen Thompson is a 22-year-old athletic freak who can defend, run the floor, and finish at the rim. He’s still developing his jumper, but his ceiling is enormous.
Jabari Smith Jr. is a 23-year-old forward who can shoot, defend, and rebound. He’s a perfect complementary piece.
Reed Sheppard is a 22-year-old guard with shooting and playmaking ability. He’s the point guard of the future.
This is the core. These are the players the Rockets are building around. Everyone else – including the three veterans on this list – is expendable.
The Udoka Hint: “Duplicates” Need to Be Addressed
Let’s go back to Ime Udoka’s comments.
Udoka hinted that there are some “duplicates” on the team. That means players with similar skill sets who are redundant.
The Rockets have too many wings. They have too many physical, defensive-minded forwards who can’t shoot. That’s why Tate and Okogie are expendable. They’re good players, but they’re not unique.
Udoka wants more scoring. More shooting. More guard depth. That means some of the current players will have to go.
The Veterans Who Are Staying: Durant, VanVleet, Adams
Let’s not overstate the Rockets’ willingness to blow things up.
Kevin Durant is staying – for now. The Rockets aren’t trading him unless they get a massive offer. Fred VanVleet is coming back from injury. Steven Adams is a valuable backup center.
The Rockets are not rebuilding. They’re retooling. They’re adding pieces around their young core.
But that means moving on from the players who don’t fit.
What’s Next for Tate, Green, and Okogie
Let’s look at each player’s future.
Jae’Sean Tate will be an unrestricted free agent. He’ll likely sign with a team that needs a physical, defensive-minded wing. He won’t command a huge contract – maybe the veteran minimum or slightly more. He’ll be a rotation player somewhere.
Jeff Green may retire. If he doesn’t, he’ll likely sign with a contender as a veteran presence. He won’t play many minutes, but he’ll be a locker room leader. That’s his value now.
Josh Okogie will have options. He shot 38.5% from three last season. He’s a reliable defender. He’s only 27. He’ll get a multi-year deal from someone – maybe in the $8-10 million per year range. The Rockets could match that, but they probably won’t.
The Cap Space: Flexibility for the Future
Let’s talk about the money.
Moving on from Tate, Green, and Okogie would free up roughly $9-10 million in cap space. That’s not a massive number, but it’s significant. It could be used to sign a backup point guard or a shooter.
More importantly, it opens up roster spots for young players. The Rockets have draft picks coming. They have G League players to evaluate. They need room to grow.
The Houston Rockets are at a crossroads. They have a young core that’s ready to compete. They have veterans who can help. But they also have redundancy.
Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green, and Josh Okogie are three players who likely won’t be on the roster next season. Tate’s minutes have disappeared. Green is 40 and may retire. Okogie played well, but his price tag will be too high.
The Rockets need more scoring. More shooting. More guard depth. That means moving on from players who don’t fit.
The young core – Sengun, Thompson, Smith, Sheppard – is the future. Everyone else is expendable.
The Rockets are not rebuilding. They’re retooling. And these three veterans are the first to go.