The Rockets previously refused to implement the team option in the third-year contract of Tate . After that, as expected, the Rockets used a new three-year 22.1 million contract to retain the 27-year-old defensive forward. In fact, if the Rockets continue to exercise Tate's third-year team option worth 1.8 million, Houston can save a lot of money. But considering that Tate's annual salary of 1.8 million is too low, and considering Tate's contribution to the Rockets in two years, the Rockets decided to give Tate a new contract.
In fact, this contract with an average salary of just over US$7 million is extremely valuable for the team. After all, Tate averaged 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 78 games last season, and his attendance rate was extremely high. Gao, for the Rockets, there is no credit but hard work. It is a logical operation for the Rockets to send this new contract.
In fact, we have always had a question. In the recent draft, the Rockets not only used the No. 3 pick to pick up the rising star power forward Jabari Smith, but also used a precious No. 17 pick to pick up the so-called "Little Ariza"'s 3D wing Talley Eason, coupled with the Rockets' original strikers Matthews, Gordon, Martin Jr. and Garuba, it seems that Tate's playing time will decrease next season, and His starting position may not be guaranteed.
But why did the Rockets, instead of weakening Tate's role in the Rockets, keep him with a three-year contract? You must know that Tate's trade value is not low, at least it can be exchanged for a late first-round pick. A forward like Tate who can defend and is versatile is the type of puzzle that some playoff teams covet. Instead of trading Tate on the highs, the Rockets kept Tate for their own use. This is very telling. What Rockets management really thinks.
Let’s take a look at the latest news. After acquiring three old Rockets players, Tucker, House and Quinn, the 176ers have now begun their strong pursuit of Gordon! According to news, the Rockets have begun serious discussions with the 76ers about Gordon's trade. If Gordon can join forces with Harden and Embiid, the 76ers in the new season will not only become the "Philadelphia Rockets" Team" and also has a strong ability to compete for the championship.
Gordon is the last piece of the 76ers' championship plan! In other words, the Rockets do not refuse to send Gordon away, provided they have suitable and good chips to acquire. If the 76ers send reasonable chips, Gordon can become a member of the Philadelphia 76ers at any time. Since the Rockets have already made up their mind to send Gordon away, it seems very reasonable to renew Tate's contract in time.
Because once Gordon leaves, after the departure of the Rockets' main small forward last season, the small forward starting position vacated will most likely be directly filled by Tate. Although Tate has been the Rockets' main power forward last season, after the arrival of Jabari Smith, Tate will give way. But Tate, who is very good at starting games, is completely suitable for moving from the power forward position to the small forward position. The Rockets will neither deprive Tate of the starting position, nor allow Tate, who is only 6 feet 4 inches tall, to return. When he moves to the small forward position that he is most familiar with, he can kill two birds with one stone.
The Rockets started negotiations with the 76ers and quickly retained Tate on a three-year contract. This indicates that Gordon and Tate are likely to "go and stay," and the one who will stay on the team will naturally be Tate. , and naturally it was Gordon who left. If Gordon's trade is finally completed, the Rockets' starting lineup for the new season will gradually become clear: the starting five should be Porter Jr., Green, Tate, Jabari Smith and Shen Jing. Although this lineup is too young, in terms of the height and body shape of the players, compared with last season's starting lineup, it is obvious that the Rockets have greatly improved.
