Jalen Green has a new team for the upcoming season — the Phoenix Suns will be his next home after being traded by the Houston Rockets on July 9. Despite having signed an extension last year, it appears the Rockets were ready to move on, according to Green himself.
In a recent interview with Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle, Green said the Rockets had been looking to trade him for quite some time. “They’ve been trying to trade me since last year. I’m not tripping,” he said.
Green averaged 21 points per game last season, an improvement over his 2023–24 average of 19.6. He also played in all 82 games for the second year in a row. Despite the surprise trade, he expressed no hard feelings, saying, “It’s for the better of the team. I know it’s a business at the end of the day.”
Ready to team up with Devin Booker
While he revealed that the Rockets had been planning to move him, Green made it clear that he’s focused on the future and just wants to keep playing. “Whatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, I still got the opportunity to play basketball.” He also said he’s excited to play alongside new Suns teammate Devin Booker.
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game at PHX Arena.
“I feel good. I’m excited,” Green said about the new chapter. “I think it’s gonna be lit. I bet he’s gon’ kill… We gon’ shock the world.” Booker is coming off a strong season himself, averaging 25.6 points per game — second on the team behind Kevin Durant’s 26.6, who is now headed to Houston as part of the blockbuster deal.
Will Jalen Green be the highest-paid player on the Suns?
No — Green will have the third-highest salary on the Suns roster. Devin Booker leads the team with an annual salary of $66 million, followed by Bradley Beal at $50 million. Green is set to earn around $35 million per year.
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