Throughout NBA history, some players have been disappointing. We shouldn’t rush to judge young players. Still, after a few years, we should be looking at their trajectory.
It’s not looking good for Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. That’s harsh, but it’s also reality. The Rockets have seen growth from several of their young players, but Green has largely regressed in 2023-24.
Perhaps he’d benefit from a fresh start. Green has had a difficult season, but he’s still got potential. Could the Washington Wizards be interested in giving him a second chance?
NBA Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets Receive: 2024 First-Round Pick (WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: G Jalen Green, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
This proposal relies on a lot of hypotheticals. It may not make any sense at all in time. Allow us to explain.
We assume the Wizards’ pick lands higher than the Nets’ selection. That’s not a given. If the Rockets enjoy some lottery luck at the expense of the Nets, this deal won’t make sense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards Updates
We’re also assuming that the Wizards would have any interest in Green. They’ve already struggled with an inefficient lead guard like Jordan Poole. Why should they take a risk on another one?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
In fairness, Green isn’t Poole. He’s younger. More broadly, Green has an elite first step that still gives him another couple of years to reach stardom. That said, it doesn’t follow from there that the Wizards should take a chance on him.
At the same time, this is seen as a weak draft. If the Wizards land the top selection, they may prefer to add Alexandre Sarr. Even then, he’s not a conventional first-overall pick. Sarr looks like an elite NBA defender without a discernible offensive role.
Why not add Green and another blue-chip prospect? This deal may depend on the gap between the two picks for the Wizards.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards Updates
If the Rockets are selecting anywhere between, say, fourth and seventh, the Wizards may see the benefit in taking a flyer on Green in a weak draft class. Should the Rockets part with Green just to move up in the draft?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
For the Rockets, this is all about Sarr. They’ll need to see how the lottery order unfolds. Sarr isn’t the presumptive first-overall pick. Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Topic will both be in the running.
The Rockets don’t need either of them. They could use Sarr. If they’re going to build around Alperen Sengun, Sarr could be the perfect weak-side rim protector to complement him in the frontcourt.
If they’re going to build around Amen Thompson, they may prefer to move Sengun down the line and run Sarr as their starting 5.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards Updates
Either way, he’d give them the flexibility they need moving forward. If the Wizards land a top 3 pick, and the team(s) ahead of them don’t look like they’re going to take Sarr, the Rockets should offer this deal – even if it means giving up on Green.
