Rockets considered trading Jalen Green for Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant & more: Report
This offseason, the Houston Rockets have been linked to several high-profile trade targets such as Kevin Durant. While Phoenix reportedly has been hesitant to talk about a possible trade for Durant, Houston also reportedly had its sights set on other NBA stars such as Mikal Bridges and Jimmy Butler.
According to a report from HoopsWire, the team was also interested in trading Jalen Green for Paul George prior to the forward landing with the Philadelphia 76ers. With George and Bridges now off the table, and Phoenix seemingly hesitant to trade Durant, Houston is running out of options.
As The Athletic has reported, the Rockets also had an interest in Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker and Zion Williamson. Much like with George and Bridges, however, Houston seems to be out of luck.
Donovan Mitchell signed an extension with the Cavs, while the Pelicans and the Suns have shown little interest in trading either of their two stars. Given that, it sounds as though the Rockets may wind up entering the 2024-25 season with Green on the roster.
“The Rockets tried to trade Green to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges, who was traded to the New York Knicks, NBA sources told Hoops Wire."
Looking at Jalen Green's numbers from last season as the Houston Rockets trade options dwindle
Although the Houston Rockets have been eager to part ways with Jalen Green, his numbers from last season were impressive. Although he saw a slight dip in minutes per game and points per game, he improved on his efficiency while putting in work on the glass.
While playing in all 82 regular-season games, Green averaged 19.6 ppg, down from 22.1 ppg the year before. At the same time, he also averaged 5.2 rpg, up from 3.7 rpg the year before, while maintaining his assists per game average.
In the efficiency department, Green's field-goal percentage jumped from 41.6% to 42.3%, while his 3-point percentage saw a minor dip from 33.8% to 33.2%.
With Houston's list of potential trade partners dwindling, the team seems likely to keep Green through the start of the season. Considering he's set to become a restricted free agent after this season, the team will likely look to trade him before the trade deadline to acquire assets.
In doing so, they would then likely free up cap space going forward given that Green seems poised to sign a big contract after the end of the season.
Currently, he is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $40.8 million that will see him earn $12.4 million next season after the team picked up their option for his final year.
Given that Houston is actively looking to trade Green, it will be interesting to see if any potential deals materialize once the season gets underway.