A year‑and‑a‑half after sending Jalen Green to Phoenix, Houston’s Rockets say they’re not missing the former No. 2 pick.
Key points
- The Rockets view the Durant acquisition as a net win, regardless of Green’s performance in Phoenix.
- Jalen Green’s early‑season production (11.0 pts, 2.5 ast, 28.6% 3P) falls short of the expectations tied to his draft status.
- Phoenix’s additional assets—Dillon Brooks and three recent draft picks—provide some balance to the trade, but Green’s slump remains a key concern.
The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in a massive seven‑team deal that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and several draft assets to the Phoenix Suns. While Durant continues to rank among the league’s top scorers despite his age, Green’s start to the 2026‑27 season has been far from the impact the Suns expected.
According to Heavy.com, Green is averaging 11.0 points and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 43.9% from the floor and just 28.6% from three‑point range. Those figures mark a modest output for a player who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft and was projected to become a cornerstone for Phoenix.
Green’s early‑season numbers
The trade also delivered the Suns three recent draft picks—Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea—who have already begun their NBA journeys. Dillon Brooks has developed into a reliable wing for Phoenix, offering a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing exchange for the young guard.
Rockets insiders, as cited by Heavy, note that the franchise has no urgency to retrieve Green. The team’s focus remains on maximizing Durant’s contributions while building around its own young core, suggesting that the trade’s perceived “backfire” for the Suns does not translate into regret for Houston.
The seven‑team deal breakdown
Looking ahead, Green’s ceiling remains a topic of debate. While some analysts still see potential for growth, his early‑season inefficiency raises doubts about whether he can fulfill the lofty expectations set when he was drafted. The Suns will need to decide whether to invest further in his development or explore alternative options.
Reader questions
How is Jalen Green performing this season compared to his draft expectations?
Heavy.com reports Green is averaging 11.0 points, 2.5 assists, 43.9% field‑goal shooting and 28.6% from three‑point range, numbers that are modest for a former No. 2 overall pick.
What did the Rockets receive in the seven‑team trade that sent Green to the Suns?
Houston received Kevin Durant, while Phoenix got Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and three draft picks that have become Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea.
Source: heavy.com
