NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Expendable difference-maker on every team ahead of trade deadline

Houston Rockets

Expendable difference-maker: Jae'Sean Tate

The Houston Rockets have gotten off to the good start that the team was hoping for but if they're going to be a real threat to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, it seems that they're going to have to make another difference-making move or two either at the NBA Trade Deadline or next summer. One player that could be viewed as expendable as they eye another move is Jae'Sean Tate. For several reasons, he's a difference-maker whose future may not be in Houston.

With as much young talent as Houston has on its roster, they're going to have to make some tough decisions about their future. Tate is one of those players who they will have to make a decision on sooner rather than later. He has a team option for next season but the Rockets will have to decide whether they want to re-sign him to an extension or not.

Playing behind Jalen Green, Tari Eason, and likely Amen Thompson (once he gets healthy), it wouldn't be all that surprising if Tate's role with the Rockets begins to dwindle over the next few months. So much so that he could emerge as a trade deadline candidate for the team.