NBA Trade Rumors: Jalen Green Could Be Shopped by Rockets to Acquire Star Player

The Houston Rockets might be willing to sacrifice Jalen Green in order to accelerate their return to playoff contention, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Fischer referenced Houston's possible pursuit of James Harden and reported how "landing other primary free agents and top-billing trade targets this offseason" was mentioned during interviews with coaching candidates.

To that end, the Rockets "addressed the idea of including [Green], the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, as part of a package for acquiring established star talent," per Fischer.

Through two seasons, Green is averaging 19.9 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 42 percent from the field, including 34 percent from beyond the arc.

It's tough to grade the 21-year-old too harshly because the Rockets have been such a mess on the court.

The absence of a true point guard hasn't helped either. Trying out Kevin Porter Jr. at the position made sense given where Houston is, and he hasn't performed poorly there all things considered.

But imagine how Green might benefit from having somebody like Harden facilitating the offense. The extent to which Harden would occupy the attention of opposing defenses could give Green more freedom as well.

Therein lies the dilemma in dealing the 6'4" guard.

The Rockets are clearly going all in if they ultimately reunite with Harden, who turns 34 in August. It isn't even a situation where you're content to have a bit of a transitional season before chasing a title, as the Brooklyn Nets did after signing Kevin Durant when he was coming off his Achilles injury.

If the opportunity to land another marquee star—Fischer noted the Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown has been one of the "most public supporters" of new head coach Ime Udoka—then Houston has to at least consider the idea and ponder the cost. Green would presumably be one of the pieces a trade suitor would request.

But what if Green is already a suitable secondary scorer/guard alongside Harden? The Rockets won't know until he has a stronger supporting cast.

Not to mention, trading him now would arguably be a case of selling low because he hasn't had the same kind of early breakout that Ja Morant or Luka Dončić enjoyed.

Absent acquiring a truly transcendent talent, including Green in an outgoing package might not make a ton of sense.