Jalen Green parted ways with the Houston Rockets after a four-year stint with the team.
The Houston Rockets have gone all-in this offseason to potentially win the 2026 NBA Championship. While all the moves are important, trading for Kevin Durant is arguably the biggest move by the team.
The Rockets acquired Durant via a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns. In exchange for KD, the Rockets gave away Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks.
While many have heard about the Slim Reaper’s fit in H-Town, what about Green? After all, he was once viewed as a key star of the team.
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty ImagesJalen Green says he would have traded himself to the Phoenix Suns if he was the Houston Rockets’ GM
Being the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the expectations have always been high for Green. Sure, Green has shown stellar growth, but he simply doesn’t fit in the team’s win-now mode.
One may wonder if Green was shocked by the move, but in reality, the 23-year-old made a surprising revelation on The Players’ Tribune.
“Listen, nobody likes to get traded. But I can honestly say that I get it, bro. This is a business, and if I was up there in the executive chair, I probably would’ve made the deal, too,” Green said.
He added: “I think it’s a better situation for both sides, and I’m just excited to get it popping with [Devin Booker], and to create that winning culture that we figured out down here in Houston.”
It’s great to see that Green is looking forward to his future with Devin Booker on the Suns rather than holding grudges against the Rockets.
Jalen Green loves the Houston Rockets, but he’ll go all out against them
Considering Green was just 19 years old when he was drafted by the Rockets, the shooting guard has essentially grown up in Houston.
Keeping that in mind, Green has nothing but love for H-Town. But does that mean he would hold back against his former team? Certainly not.
“What’s that thing that people are always saying in these moments? Don’t cry because it’s over? Smile because it happened? Bro, I’m smiling. It’s nothing but love for the Rockets.
“I’m sorry I gotta try to bust y’all a__ now, but every time I see y’all, it’s gonna be love. I mean, I grew up here, for real,” Green continued.
The 23-year-old concluded: “Some dudes just be saying that when they get traded, but I really came here at 19 years old still eating Skittles before games, and I’m leaving here as a father. It’s been a time, y’all.”
Last season, Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game as he played all 82 matchups during the regular season.
He also played a key role in the Rockets clinching the second seed in the Western Conference.