12 Way-too-early 2024 trade deadline candidates for Celtics to monitor

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 24: Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center on October 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Jae’Sean Tate (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Jae’Sean Tate, Houston Rockets

In a vacuum, Jae’Sean Tate seems to be an important piece of the Houston Rockets build. However, there’s a chance Rockets head coach Ime Udoka could struggle to find minutes for him as the team’s talented roster continues to develop. Tate battled injuries for much of last season and only played in 31 games. Averaging less than 22 minutes per contest, he still managed to average nine points, four rebounds, and three assists on 48 percent shooting from the field.

But with the addition of Dillon Brooks (via Free Agency) and Cam Whitmore (via the NBA Draft), along with the expected continued development of Jabari Smith and Tari Eason, there’s a chance that Tate could be the odd man out in the rotation by the time the trade deadline rolls around. This is a big year for Tate and the Rockets considering he is under a team option for next season and then an extension will have to come after the 2024-25 season.

Could the Rockets get to a point ahead of the trade deadline where they’re willing to move him? It wouldn’t be all that surprising if so. Maybe he’s a player the Celtics could swoop in and pry away at the deadline.

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