Congrats to the Houston Rockets on a huge hire! They announced that official trade of Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal that would send two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant. At only 23 years of age, Green has quickly matured into the biggest franchise pillar for the Houston Rockets. LaMelo was ultimately taken with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. His terrific last season, coupled with what he’s doing this season has established him as one of the league’s bright, young stars.
In the recently concluded season, Jalen Green showcased his scoring ability by averaging 21.0 points per game, alongside 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Yet his impact went well beyond the scoring sheet. He answered by starting in all 82 games, a testament to his durability and commitment to the team. Over the course of his career, Green has proven a capable player in 307 career games. He’s averaged 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists, showcasing his development into a complete player.
The trade comes as the Rockets look to rebuild their roster, with the acquisition of Kevin Durant highlighting their ambition to compete at a higher level. Houston originally picked Green in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. His meteoric rise soon made him a key player in this trade. The organization has seen Green become a touchstone for the organization’s long-term success, so Green’s now-inevitable departure will surely be a bittersweet moment.
Kevin Durant’s arrival in Houston is expected to elevate the team’s performance significantly, while Green’s move to Phoenix marks a new chapter in his career. The Suns are taking a gamble on Green’s upside as they try to add complementary pieces around their core mix of talent with the addition of Green. The trade emphasizes both teams’ strategies: Houston’s focus on rebuilding and Phoenix’s efforts to enhance their championship prospects.
