The choice startled a lot of people. Green has been completely erratic. Why make a commitment to him? Before making an offer, shouldn’t the Rockets have waited to see how he performed in 2024–25? It is up for dispute. Green’s deal has a special arrangement. In the third season, he agreed to a three-year contract with a player option. When compared to a typical rookie agreement, that is a short deal.
For some people, even that is a sensitive topic. The Rockets have received recognition for keeping their options open regarding Green’s future. They have also come under fire for taking away Green’s deal’s possible benefits. The Rockets will not receive a discounted rate for his services if he becomes a star. With a rookie scale extension, that’s usually the goal.
The Rockets might have had a secret agenda. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst seems to agree. According to an insider, the Rockets may trade Green. This is not an anomaly. This tidbit is particularly juicy. Windhorst is a real insider in the NBA. His connections are numerous. He ought to pay attention while he speaks.
His statement also makes some sense. It would be simpler to relocate Green’s new contract than a typical rookie extension. In two seasons, his contract will expire. Teams will take on the last year of Green’s contract with draft incentives attached, even if he has been a huge disappointment.
Is the Rockets planning to do that?
Flexibility is a top priority for the Rockets.
We must avoid putting the horse before the wagon.
The Rockets want Green to blow apart. Everyone would prefer that. He and Alperen Sengun already appear to get along well off the court. Additionally, he was just extended—at a bargain, by all reports. Sengun appears to be a part of the future, but nobody should rule anything out with the Rockets.
Furthermore, the prospect of Green is still alluring. The exceptional athletic abilities that earned him the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft are still there in him. If he fulfills his potential, why would the Rockets want to trade him? He won’t be moved by himself, after all. Jalen Green’s poor performance will be shown if the Rockets trade him. You won’t find an optimist who is foolish enough to put money into him if that is the case by his fifth NBA season. A significant amount of assets would need to be attached in order to trade him. Therefore, it’s unlikely that Houston signed Green’s contract extension in anticipation of a trade. It is highly probable that they signed a shorter-term contract with the prospect in mind. For Green, the 2024–25 season should be crucial:
