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NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate could be next Rockets on the move?

By Brandon Vella

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 29: Jae'Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets reacts alongside Kevin Porter Jr. #3 during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 29, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 29: Jae'Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets reacts alongside Kevin Porter Jr. #3 during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 29, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate could be on the hot seat in Houston. 

Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Houston Rockets will be one of the most improved rosters.

The Rockets were one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. Houston started by hitting absolute home runs in the NBA Draft, selecting Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick and then trading up to select Cam Whitmore with the No. 20 overall pick. They followed an impressive draft showing by making a big splash in free agency.

Houston signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to league-altering contracts.

With these additions, the Rockets already had to offload some of their young pieces via trade such as Kenyon Martin Jr and Josh Christopher but are we sure they are done making moves?

Could the Houston Rockets make more in-season moves to clear up the rotation?

It seems as if the Rockets has an understanding of what the team will be moving forward which leaves both Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate in an awkward position. With the new guard additions, Porter Jr. is moved down in the rotation where he was previously the lead ball handler for the team and allowed plenty of freedom in the offense.

There could be a situation where he is rapidly more unhappy with his spot in the rotation and asks out. Similarly to Porter Jr.’s situation, Tate is lost in the mix with the many forwards they have on their team now with Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore.

Though he has only been in the league for three years, he is 27 years old which makes him closer to his peak than some may expect.

Tate is coming off a season in which he averaged nine points and four rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field. Of note, Tate has seen a steady drop in minutes in each of the last two seasons with the Rockets. With more added talent on the wing, that is a trend that is likely going to continue into this season.

Next. NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Way-too-early 2024 trade deadline candidate for all 30 teams. dark

Both Porter Jr. and Tate are talented players who can help many playoff teams around the league with their unique skill sets. They very well may be able to thrive in this league but their time in Houston could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

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