The Houston Rockets have set the NBA ablaze with their blockbuster acquisition of Kevin Durant, a move that has fans buzzing on platforms like Facebook and analysts across the internet handing out perfect grades. Secured at a bargain, Durant joins Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and a young core poised to contend in the 2025-26 season. But while the marquee deal steals headlines, the Rockets’ work is far from done. With their core locked in, attention shifts to the back of the roster, where smaller but critical decisions loom. One such decision involves Jae’Sean Tate, a fan-favorite and the longest-tenured Rocket, whose diminishing role has sparked debate about his future. This analysis dives into the Rockets’ roster strategy, Tate’s potential exit, and the need for shooting to complement their new superstar. Can Houston fine-tune their bench to maximize their championship window?
The Kevin Durant Trade: A Game-Changer for Houston
The Rockets’ acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 draft pick, and second-round picks, is a masterstroke. Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, brings elite scoring, versatility, and playoff experience to a Houston team that won 46 games in 2024-25 and reached the Western Conference Semifinals. At 36, Durant remains a top-10 player, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season while shooting 41.3% from three. The trade’s “reduced price” has earned universal praise, with ESPN’s Zach Lowe calling it “a steal for a franchise-altering talent.”
This move cements Houston’s core for 2025-26: Durant, Sengun (a rising star averaging 19.6 points and 9.3 rebounds), Thompson (a defensive dynamo with 10.1 points and 6.6 assists), and supporting pieces like Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore. However, the trade has ripple effects on roster depth, particularly at the wing and guard positions. With Durant commanding significant minutes, the Rockets must optimize their bench to maintain balance and flexibility. This brings us to the delicate situation surrounding Jae’Sean Tate, whose tenure in Houston may be nearing its end.
Jae’Sean Tate: A Fan Favorite Facing an Uncertain Future
Jae’Sean Tate, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, is the longest-tenured Rocket and a beloved figure in Space City. His gritty, hard-nosed style—diving for loose balls, battling bigger opponents, and hustling on every possession—has endeared him to fans. Tate’s versatility as a 6-foot-4 forward, capable of guarding multiple positions and facilitating offense, made him a staple during Houston’s rebuilding years. However, his role has steadily diminished, with his minutes dropping from 26.9 per game in 2021-22 to just 11.3 in 2024-25, a trend likely to continue with Durant’s arrival.
Tate’s $7.6 million expiring contract for 2025-26, combined with his limited on-court impact, puts him on the chopping block. His Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of -0.7 last season ranked among the lowest in Houston’s rotation, reflecting his struggles to influence winning. The core issue is his lack of three-point shooting. Despite a career-best 34.8% from deep in 2024-25, Tate attempted only 1.2 threes per game, and defenses rarely guarded him beyond the arc, clogging driving lanes for teammates like Sengun and Thompson. Synergy data shows opponents gave Tate an “open” or “wide-open” three on 68% of his attempts, yet he converted just 33.3% of those looks.
While Tate remains a stout defender (1.1 steals per 36 minutes) and solid playmaker (3.2 assists per 36), his poor shooting makes him a poor fit in a Durant-led offense that thrives on spacing. The Rockets’ 23rd-ranked three-point attempt rate (35.2% of shots) last season underscores the need for better shooters to complement Durant’s gravity. Tate’s intangibles—leadership, work ethic, and locker room presence—are valuable, but at 30 years old, his ceiling is limited. Houston must decide whether to retain him as a practice player and culture-setter or use his roster spot and salary slot more effectively.
Filling the Gaps: Prioritizing Shooting with the Mid-Level Exception
With their core set, the Rockets’ next priority is bolstering their bench with shooters to maximize Durant’s impact. Houston’s Mid-Level Exception (MLE), projected at $12.9 million for 2025-26, offers a chance to sign a veteran who can stretch the floor and contribute in a playoff rotation. The departure of Green and Brooks in the Durant trade leaves gaps in wing scoring and perimeter creation, making the MLE a critical tool. Potential targets include:
Malik Beasley: A career 38.2% three-point shooter, Beasley averaged 11.3 points off the bench for the Pistons in 2024-25. His ability to knock down 3.9 threes per 36 minutes on high volume makes him an ideal fit to space the floor for Durant and Sengun. Beasley’s defensive limitations are a concern, but his shooting addresses Houston’s biggest need.
Gary Trent Jr.: Trent, a 39.1% career three-point shooter, brings scoring (13.7 points last season with Toronto) and decent wing defense. At 26, he offers youth and upside, though his playmaking is limited (1.7 assists per game).
Bruce Brown: A versatile two-way wing, Brown averaged 10.8 points and 4.1 rebounds with Indiana in 2024-25. His 35.5% three-point shooting is modest, but his hustle and ability to guard multiple positions align with Houston’s identity.
Malcolm Brogdon: A combo guard with a 39.1% three-point clip over his career, Brogdon offers playmaking (5.5 assists last season with Washington) and veteran savvy. Injuries are a concern, but his fit in a bench role could be seamless.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: Hardaway’s 35.3% three-point shooting and 14.4 points per game (with Detroit in 2024-25) make him a scoring spark plug. His streaky shooting and average defense may limit his appeal, but his familiarity with Durant from their Nets days could ease integration.
Each of these players offers better floor-spacing than Tate, whose 1.2 three-point attempts per game pale in comparison to Beasley’s 6.7 or Trent’s 5.1. The Rockets could retain Tate for his intangibles, but using the MLE to sign a shooter aligns better with their championship aspirations. Trading Tate’s expiring contract, potentially paired with a second-round pick, could also net a low-cost shooter or open a roster spot for a free-agent signing. Houston’s 12th-ranked offensive rating (114.2) last season could climb into the top 10 with improved spacing, unlocking Durant’s full potential.
The Houston Rockets are riding high after landing Kevin Durant, a move that catapults them into contention for the 2025-26 season. Yet, as the euphoria settles, the front office faces critical decisions to round out the roster. Jae’Sean Tate, a beloved Rocket whose role has dwindled, represents a tough but necessary choice: keep him for his heart and hustle or move on to prioritize shooting. With the Mid-Level Exception, Houston has a chance to add a floor-spacer like Malik Beasley or Gary Trent Jr., enhancing their fit around Durant, Sengun, and Thompson. As fans debate on social media, the Rockets’ ability to nail these smaller moves will determine how far their new-look roster can go. With training camp looming, all eyes are on Space City—can Houston build a championship-caliber bench to match their superstar core? Stay tuned for an exciting offseason!