The Houston Rockets delivered a strong performance in the 2024-25 NBA season under head coach Ime Udoka, finishing second in the Western Conference. However, their playoff run was cut short by an unexpected defeat against the Golden State Warriors. In a bold offseason move, they traded Jalen Green for Kevin Durant. Following the trade, Green shared his thoughts on the transition and teaming up with Devin Booker at the Phoenix Suns.
“I feel good. I’m excited. I think it’s gonna be lit. I bet he’s gon’ kill. We gon’ shock the world,” Jalen Green said, via Houston Chronicle. Then, he confessed that he had a feeling that the franchise had been trying to trade him since the last year. “I’m not tripping. It’s for the better of the team. I know it’s a business at the end of the day… At the end of the day, I still got the opportunity to play basketball.”
The Rockets’ decision surprised many fans, as Jalen Green had established himself as the team’s offensive linchpin. With a strong offensive partner, he could have elevated his game and continued to develop. However, Houston missed this potential, creating an opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to invigorate their lineup by pairing Green with Devin Booker. In Phoenix, Green will find more freedom in his offensive role and can grow alongside the seasoned 28-year-old star, Booker.
How did Jalen Green impact the Houston Rockets during the 2024-25 NBA season?
Jalen Green does not leave the Houston Rockets underperforming; in fact, it solidifies their offensive prowess. At just 22, he played all 82 games in the 2024-25 season, showcasing his scoring ability with an average of 21 points per game. This impressive performance established him as the team’s offensive leader, surpassing Alperen Sengun in the process.
Despite the Rockets have not disclosed specific reasons for Green’s departure, his lack of impact during the postseason might be a significant factor. At a young age, the responsibility of leading a franchise in the playoffs could have proven too daunting for him. In Phoenix, however, Jalen will not shoulder this burden, as Devin Booker leads the team’s offense. This change allows him to face much less pressure and offers more room for growth.
Jalen holds lofty expectations for his partnership with Devin Booker on the offensive front. “We’re two people who know how to score the basketball, we’re two people who know how to attract the defense… And me and him both, it’s going to be a deadly scoring duo,” he said, via the Arizona Republic.
Devin, having formed an exceptional offensive duo with Kevin Durant, already understands the dynamics of teaming up with a prolific scorer. This familiarity bodes well for Phoenix, as their collaboration promises to electrify the offense and captivate fans.