In the NBA, plans change. A team may draft a player under the assumption that they’ll carry their franchise. In the end, that player may not last with the organization.
Look at the Houston Rockets. When they acquired Jalen Green, he was supposed to be the future of the franchise. Green is an elite athlete – he may have the quickest first step in the NBA. As the second overall pick, he came into the league with expectations.
So far, he hasn’t met those expectations. Green has been disappointing. Meanwhile, other young Rockets are emerging as potential cornerstones. Could the Rockets send Green to the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Cody Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Jalen Green
Carrying an NBA franchise isn’t easy. Few players are equipped to do it. Even players with enough talent may struggle to carry their team for other reasons.
Look at LaMelo Ball. When healthy, he’s proven himself to be a franchise-caliber player. Ball is one of the most talented young players in the NBA. Yet, he hasn’t been able to carry the Hornets anyway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Largely, his body has failed him. Ball is injury-prone. That’s made it difficult for him to find the success he’d like with the Hornets. Should they pair him with Jalen Green?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
For the Hornets, this is an upside swing. It’s also a buy-low opportunity. If Green were reaching his potential, he’d cost a lot more than one first-round pick.
On the other hand – Green isn’t reaching his potential. That’s a problem. The Hornets may feel like they can’t afford to take on a project. This team would likely prefer to be more competitive than they’ve been in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets Updates
At the same time, the basketball fit between Ball and Green is enticing. Green’s athleticism would make him an ideal target for a playmaker like Ball. If this works, it would raise the Hornets’ ceiling considerably. Should the Rockets risk lowering their ceiling?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Green may never reach his potential. Luckily for the Rockets, they took a lot of swings in the draft. This team is full of young talent. Their future will be bright no matter what happens with Green.
With that in mind, it may be time to start bringing in more veterans who complement the young players they do have. A pair of non-shooting playmakers like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson would thrive alongside a low-usage 3-and-D wing like Cody Martin.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Still, Green surely has more trade value than Martin. That’s why Houston is also picking up an unprotected first here. Who knows? They could use that pick to select their next franchise player.
