The Houston Rockets have a lot of work to do this summer to improve their roster after finishing with the second worst record in the NBA, and their first step was to find a new coach. Houston has hired a new coach in Ime Udoka, who led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, though he was later suspended by the team for the entirety of the 2022-23 season.
While hiring a coach with baggage is questionable, especially in Houston, where the culture doesn’t seem great, it should be an obvious upgrade for the former head coach. Speaking of upgrades, it looks like the Rockets are just starting to improve their team, even if that means trading their best player.
The rumors of the Rockets opening trade for Green were surprising because he was the second pick in the NBA Draft in 2020 and has played well for the most part. It seems unlikely that Houston will land an established star in return, but maybe they’ll tell teams he’s available.
Will Houston actually trade Jalen Green?
With reports that Trae Young may also be available this summer, Houston could be inquiring about a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Green himself even weighed in on the trade rumors before later deleting his post.
It’s not ideal for a player to hear about trade rumours, especially a player who could play a huge role in the Rockets if he isn’t transferred. After all, if Houston scoops up the top spot overall, they’ll suddenly have the best pool of prospects in the NBA with Green, Jabbari Smith, Alperin Sengon, and Victor Wimpanyama.
They could even sign seven-time All-Star and former Rocket James Harden to free agency. Harden’s return to Houston appears to be a real possibility, and his relationship with Green appears to be the reason he is considering it. A green move prior to free agency could jeopardize that.
That is, unless Houston thinks they can find a star to potentially pair with Harden, and possibly Wimpanyama in a bid to win now next season. Harden left to make a great team, so it makes sense he’d come back if they can make a team. Houston has already indicated that they plan to change their approach next season, and it appears that being more aggressive is part of the team’s plan.
Ultimately, an aggressive offseason strategy is great for the Rockets, who have been through disaster the past two seasons. However, rumors of them being open to trading Green could backfire if they weren’t careful.