Per The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Boston Celtics are among several teams with an interest in Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate. Aside from the Celtics, the rockets are also fielding inquiries from the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards for the services of the 27-year-old combo forward.
A bit undersized to play the 3 and 4 positions at just 6-foot-4, Tate is averaging 7.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with Houston this season. His lack of a 3-point shot (career average of 30.9% from beyond the arc) limits his effectiveness overall as an impact player, but his defense and playmaking have made him a potentially useful option off of the bench.
He won’t come cheap given more than one team is interested in adding him and per Iko, the team is not “looking to trade the 27-year-old forward who is internally regarded as one of the most important pieces of this youthful roster” barring a “‘can’t-turn-down’ type offer”.
Report: Boston looking to use $5.8 million traded player excepton ahead of 2023 NBA trade deadline https://t.co/Ar1p0gZ3Ly
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 7, 2023
That sort of ask likely removes Tate from Boston’s list of targets unless it is posturing — and in the thick of silly season, that could very well be the case.
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