The Rockets have guaranteed Jae’Sean Tate‘s salary for the 2021-22 season, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Tate will earn approximately $1.52 million next season.
Tate, 25, had an impressive rookie season for Houston in 2020-21, averaging 11.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 2.5 APG on 50.6% shooting and playing tough defense in 70 games (29.2 MPG). The performance earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team.
Tate’s second-year salary wasn’t scheduled to become guaranteed until January, per Basketball Insiders. However, as Feigen explains, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta made the decision to lock in the forward’s salary a few months early. The move was designed to reward Tate for his play last season and to send the message that the Rockets value his “determined play and attitude,” Feigen adds.
Tate’s contract extends for one more year beyond 2021-22 — the Rockets have a $1.78 million team option for ’22-23, which seems likely to be eventually exercised.
The Rockets have also officially signed David Nwaba, Feigen reports.
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