Nobody likes giving up on a young NBA player. Front offices would always prefer to see their young prospects pan out. With that said, sometimes, it simply won’t happen.
The Houston Rockets have got a lot of young players. In all likelihood, they won’t all work out. In time, they may have to pick and choose. At the moment, it’s not looking good for Jalen Green.
After all, he’s struggled mightily in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the rest of the young Rockets have made strides. At this point, the Rockets are rumored to be considering shopping Green this summer. Could they send him to the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets Receive: F/C Chris Boucher, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Jalen Green
When young players are coming into the league, we try to gauge their potential. Sometimes, we get it wrong. Even the foremost NBA draft experts can potentially make mistakes when evaluating players.
Look at Green’s draft. The Raptors selected Scottie Barnes from the same class. At the time, some felt that the Raptors should have selected Jalen Suggs. Now, it appears that the Raptors should have taken Barnes instead of Green.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors Updates
As a result, the Raptors have got a bright future. At the same time, this team just started rebuilding around Barnes. Should they pair him with Green?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Green’s struggles in 2023-24 have largely been related to his shooting. He’s having trouble even hitting open shots. With that said, it is worth acknowledging Green’s strengths. He still has the impossibly quick first step that led the Rockets to pick him second overall.
Could he find himself in Toronto? Building around Barnes gives the Raptors some unique opportunities. He’s a dynamic playmaker. The Raptors could justify pairing him with some score-first guards with that in mind.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors Updates
They already have Immanuel Quickley. Pairing him with Green in the backcourt could be interesting if Barnes reaches his potential. If he doesn’t, this pick is protected against disaster. Should the Rockets accept so little for Green?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Let’s be honest – Green’s trade value is probably in the gutter. The Rockets aren’t going to get a haul for him. That’s not the end of the world – Alperen Sengun has looked like a future star this season.
Yet, even he has his flaws. Sengun is an electrifying offensive player, but he struggles on defense. With that in mind, adding a weak side shot blocker like Boucher could make his life easier.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors Updates
Otherwise, the Rockets pick up an asset in a top-1o protected pick. That’s not optimal for a player that they recently took with the second overall pick. Unfortunately, the Rockets may have to just give up on Green.
