Sixth-year forward Jae’Sean Tate has been assigned to the Rockets‘ G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, reports Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
According to Iko, the Rockets and Tate mutually agreed to the assignment in order to get the 30-year-old some playing time and a chance to find his rhythm. Despite injuries to fellow forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Tari Eason, Tate has been a healthy scratch for two of the past three games and played only two minutes in his lone appearance during that stretch.
Tate, who missed the regular season opener and was on a minutes restriction to open 2025/26 following offseason ankle surgery, has spent all six of his NBA seasons with Houston. As a free agent over the summer, he re-signed with the Rockets on a one-year, minimum-salary contract.
While it’s common for young players and veterans working their way back from injuries to be assigned to the NBAGL, it’s unusual for a veteran to accept the assignment when healthy. Still, Tate has only played 41 total minutes over eight appearances this season, so it’s understandable why he’s eager to work on his game, regardless of the level of competition.
Trae, Mo Gueye & N’Faly Dante to Houston for FVV, Tari, Clint, Tate & a future 1st shouldn’t be the best return we can get for Trae but I’d definitely take it. Bringing Clint back gives us a big rebounding boost, which we sorely need. Tate gives us a book of toughness, which we could also use. And Tari is a clear upgrade over Mo as our 3rd forward. Probably a better deal for Houston than us but at this point I’m just ready to move forward without Trae.
Houstan instead of Gueye*
Two future 1st*
Then it’s a deal
I was wondering why he wasn’t playing. Always best to work your way back. By playing actual mins. Should have done this sooner. Rockets need everyone with their starting PG out. Rockets have to pick up a PG. Dec 15 is when FVV can be moved.