At times, we all need a fresh start. That can even be true for NBA players. Their careers may not be going as they’d hoped. Perhaps they’d benefit from a fresh start.
Take Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. When the Rockets selected him with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, he was supposed to be their franchise player. At the moment, his career is not going as he must have hoped.
Could he benefit from a fresh start? The Rockets are making progress despite his struggles. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them move him this summer. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets Receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Jalen Green
It’s extremely difficult to predict how an NBA career will unfold. Yet, we try to make predictions. So do the NBA’s general managers – whether those predictions come true or not.
Look at the Rockets. They had four selections in the 2021 draft. Two of the players that they selected – Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher – are gone. Green is struggling. Yet, the Rockets seem to have found a cornerstone player anyway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We’re talking about Alperen Sengun. Green is struggling, but Sengun is performing like a high lottery pick. Would Vanderbilt be a compliment to him?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
This stings. No team wants to draft a player with the second overall pick only to jettison him for a lottery-protected pick and a role player. What’s the alternative?
The Rockets could let Green foray into restricted free agency. Let’s say somebody wants to offer him a mid-level contract and gamble on his upside. Now, Houston is stuck either matching a contract for a player who isn’t developing well, or losing him for nothing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Vanderbilt is better than nothing. He’s a versatile combo big who can guard across positions. That’s a player that the Rockets are currently missing. Should the Lakers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
If Green has untapped potential, he should find it on the Lakers. It’s worth noting that he’s a Los Angeles native. Green may feel more comfortable at home.
He also ought to thrive alongside LeBron James. Green can get easy baskets by cutting and attacking closeouts alongside James and his playmaking gravity. He’ll also find more space to get open for jumpers on this team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If it doesn’t work out, the Lakers at least bought low on Green. This is a small price to pay for a player with his potential. Who knows? Green may just need a fresh start.
