There may be a big potential Houston Rockets trade coming down the pipeline, according to ESPN Senior NBA Writer Brian Windhorst, involving Houston’s former second overall draft pick. Jalen Green is coming off of signing a fresh $106 million contract extension with the Rockets. However, Windhorst sees something bigger looming behind the extension and talked about it on ESPN’s The Hoops Collective.
Houston Rockets Could Potentially Trade Jalen Green Next Year
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst Foreshadows Rocket’s Trade Plans for Young Star
If the Houston Rockets trade rumors surrounding Green and his extension prove to be true at some point in time in the future, it would be quite the turn of events, considering he was touted as a legitimate franchise player for Houston when they drafted him in 2021.
The former G League Ignite star is entering his fourth season in the league. Instead of playing basketball in college, Green joined the G League in the Ignite’s inaugural 2020 season and was among the team’s first players. Green signed a three-year, $106 million contract extension before the 2024-25 season began. He was set to become a restricted free agent next offseason. However, he is now set to earn nearly $70 million over the next two seasons. His extension carries with it an exercise player option of $36 million player in 2027.
That said, Green’s extension with the Rockets has the potential to only play out in part. According to Brian Windhorst, the contract was designed for Green to become a possible trade chip down the road.
“This is a contract that a lot of people in the league think was signed for the option to be traded and getting the 10% trade kicker in there…which is the biggest trade kicker that was given out yesterday in all these deals,” Windhorst said. “To me, I’m not saying the Rockets are definitely going to trade him. I’m just saying this contract was designed to allow him to be traded.”
According to Windhorst, the combination of a near-max contract but of shorter length with a player option is different from most traditional rookie scale extensions. This is one of the reasons why Windhorst speculates a potential move next year.
Where the Rockets Stand, With or Without Green
The Rockets overachieved last year, one could argue. They finished with a .500 record (41-41) and missed the play-in by one seed. The Golden State Warriors finished above them with a 46-36 record. The Rockets played competitive ball throughout the entire season and showed their potential is real, and Ime Udoka is a solid coach. Houston’s young roster of Alperen Şengün, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Green surprised many last season. Additionally, the Rockets drafted Reed Sheppard this summer, and he looked very good in the preseason. Houston also carries an excellent veteran presence in Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams.
The Rockets are expected to at least compete for a play-in spot this season, provided that their overachieving success last season wasn’t an anomaly. Green doesn’t appear to be a player to give up on so soon. Despite losing their season opener to the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night, Green poured in 28 points in 35 minutes in the 110-105 defeat. Green is the best player on the team, talent-wise, anyway. Keeping him for at least the season could determine how good of a year the Rockets have. Now, as for the future? If Brian Windhorst is correct, and Green ends up as a trade chip, the Rockets should get a good return. Jalen Greens’ priority, in any event, is to have his best season yet.
