When an NBA team drafts a player in the lottery, they invest. They want to see it work out. So, it’s a tremendous disappointment when a lottery player doesn’t work out.
At the same time, it can be best to cut your losses. If a team commits to a lottery player even though he’s underperforming, they may compound their losses. Although it’s painful, moving on from a lottery player is the best course of action.
Could the Houston Rockets move on from Jalen Green? Fans are beginning to wonder. Green has been disappointing this season, and the Rockets appear to be progressing without him. Could they send him to the Chicago Bulls this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Jalen Green
When a team has a high lottery pick, fans assume that they’re landing a star. That can be a false assumption. Realistically, lottery picks reach their potential less often than fans would like to think.
That’s why it’s worth taking multiple shots in the lottery. It’s worth landing as many first-round picks as you can. Look at the Rockets. Green isn’t looking good, but with Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason making strides, it’s not as big of a problem as it could be.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls Updates
By contrast, the Bulls have refused to play the lottery. This team has tried to stay competitive at all costs. In the end, those decisions may have limited their ceiling. Should they be interested in Green?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
For the Bulls, this is about raising their long-term ceiling. It’ll hurt in the short term. That’s fine – the Bulls can finally get into the lottery. Realistically, that’s where they’ll be looking for their next franchise player.
After all, Green isn’t trending in that direction. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a star. Green has flashed some potential as a shot creator, and he’s an elite athlete. In time, this could be the second-best player on a title contender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls Updates
So, imagine if the Bulls can draft someone like Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer. With Green alongside them, the team’s future would be exceedingly bright. Should the Rockets help them improve their outlook?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets tanked to maximize their lottery odds for three years. Now, they’re done tanking. They’ve been more competitive in 2023-24. Next year, they’ll look to continue to progress.
Perhaps Green can be part of that vision. If he puts it together throughout the rest of this season, the Rockets will want to keep him this summer. On the other hand, if he continues to struggle, they may look to flip him for a useful veteran.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls Updates
Why not Caruso? He’s arguably the best 3-and-D guard in the NBA. The Rockets have been trying to establish a defensive identity. Sengun is gifted on offense, but he’s not much of a rim protector. Surrounding him with players like Caruso makes sense – even if it means giving up on a lottery pick.
