The Houston Rockets reportedly still have faith in their young star Jalen Green and are expected to keep him on their roster for next season, choosing not to trade him for Devin Booker despite having shown serious interest in acquiring the Suns star via trade this offseason.
The Houston Rockets enjoyed a successful run to the playoffs this season after missing the postseason for four straight years.
One of the key contributors to their rise to the second seed in the Western Conference was guard Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this season, appearing in all 82 regular season games. However, his playoff performance raised eyebrows, leading to growing speculation about a potential trade.
Despite the rumors, it appears Green will remain with the Rockets. According to The Athletic, the organization still believes in Green's potential and is prepared to keep him for the foreseeable future.
The Athletic also reported that the Rockets had seriously considered pursuing Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker via trade this offseason. However, they abandoned those plans due to Booker's apparent struggles this year.
Ultimately, the Rockets chose to stick with Green, who is not only five years younger than Booker but also $66 million cheaper over the next three seasons.
While acquiring Booker, one of the league’s top offensive talents with averages of 25.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, would have been a major boost, the Rockets opted to invest in Green’s development instead.
