Jalen Green on the Move? 2025 Trade Rumors Swirl Around Rockets Young Guard

By Edcel Panganiban June 07, 2025 10:29

As the 2025 NBA offseason unfolds, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green finds himself at the center of intense trade speculation. After a breakout 2024-25 season that saw Green average a career-high 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, questions remain about his long-term fit with the Rockets as the franchise weighs its championship aspirations against roster construction realities.

Green’s 2024-25 Season: A Promising Yet Inconsistent Star

Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, took a significant step forward last season. He started all 82 games, showcasing improved shooting efficiency with a 42.3% field goal percentage and a career-best 35.4% from three-point range. His scoring explosiveness and athleticism helped propel the Rockets to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, their first playoff appearance since 2019-20.

However, Green’s playoff performance was uneven. Despite a standout 38-point outing in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors, he struggled overall, averaging just 9.2 points on 31.1% shooting in the other games. This inconsistency, coupled with the Rockets’ early exit, has fueled debate about whether Green can be the franchise cornerstone Houston needs.

Trade Rumors and Potential Destinations

The offseason has been rife with rumors linking Green to several teams, particularly in the context of Houston’s pursuit of superstar talent. One high-profile scenario involves a potential three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, which could send Kevin Durant to Houston in exchange for a package including Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and draft picks. Such a deal would represent a bold pivot for the Rockets but would require parting with promising young assets.

Another intriguing rumor involves the Chicago Bulls, who could swap Coby White and Kevin Huerter for Green. The Bulls might view Green as a dynamic scorer to complement their core, while Houston would gain a versatile offensive player in White and a sharpshooter in Huerter, addressing their shooting needs.

Despite these swirling trade talks, sources close to the Rockets indicate that the front office remains cautious. Houston’s general manager Rafael Stone faces the challenge of balancing the desire to win now with the need to develop young talent. Green’s $33.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season the first year of a three-year, $105 million extension adds financial pressure to make the right decision.

Rockets’ Commitment to Green?

Recent reports suggest the Rockets are leaning toward keeping Green, valuing his youth, athleticism, and scoring ability. According to The Athletic, Houston abandoned a pursuit of Phoenix’s Devin Booker partly because Green is five years younger and $66 million cheaper over the next three seasons. This financial consideration, combined with Green’s potential upside, makes him a more attractive long-term investment.

Green himself has expressed a strong desire to improve consistency and lead the Rockets deeper into the playoffs. Analysts note that his midseason stretch, where he averaged 24.3 points and nearly four made three-pointers per game over 28 contests, demonstrated the star potential Houston hopes to harness.

The Road Ahead

The Rockets’ offseason decisions regarding Jalen Green will be pivotal. If retained, Green will face heightened expectations to provide star-caliber consistency and leadership. Conversely, trading him could yield valuable assets to accelerate Houston’s championship timeline but risks losing a young scorer with immense upside.

As one NBA executive put it, “Green is a fascinating talent young, explosive, and still figuring it out. The Rockets have to decide if they’re patient enough to let him grow or if they want to cash in while his value is high.”

Jalen Green’s name will undoubtedly remain prominent in trade rumors throughout the 2025 offseason. Whether Houston chooses to build around their young guard or use him as a key piece in a blockbuster deal will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. For now, Green’s blend of youth, scoring ability, and contract status ensures he will be one of the most intriguing players to watch in this critical period of NBA roster reshuffling.