Jalen Green has a new team for the upcoming season ā 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. āTheyāve been trying to trade me since last year. Iām not tripping,ā he said.
Green averaged 21 points per game last season, an improvement over his 2023ā24 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, āItās for the better of the team. I know itās a business at the end of the day.ā
Ready to team up with Devin Booker
While he revealed that the Rockets had been planning to move him, Green made it clear that heās focused on the future and just wants to keep playing. āWhatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, I still got the opportunity to play basketball.ā He also said heās 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.
āI feel good. Iām excited,ā Green said about the new chapter. āI think itās gonna be lit. I bet heās gonā killā¦ We gonā shock the world.ā Booker is coming off a strong season himself, averaging 25.6 points per game ā second on the team behind Kevin Durantās 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 ā 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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