Just hours before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the basketball world had to prepare for a different blockbuster announcement. In one of the most anticipated moves of the offseason, the trade for Kevin Durant was finally complete, bringing him to a new home with the Houston Rockets.
In exchange, the Phoenix Suns got five second-round picks, Houston’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 10 overall), Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green. The most appetizing prospect for Phoenix has to be the former second-overall pick, who has shown star potential. According to one insider, the Green’s future in Phoenix has already been revealed.
Jalen Green: Trade Piece or Cornerstone?
Since coming into the league in 2021, Green has had a tumultuous start to his career. While the potential has always been through the roof, thanks to his athleticism and three-level scoring, he has yet to put the full package together.
As a result, after averaging 17.3 points as a rookie, he’s continued to hover around the 20-points-per-game mark, putting up 21 a night last season. His shooting percentage, rebounding and playmaking numbers have been nearly identical throughout as well.
However, as part of a young Rockets core that emphasized team basketball, he led the franchise to a second-seed finish and a seven-game war against the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Still just 23, his stability at the guard position could be lucrative to a lot of organizations.
Because of that, the Suns, if they wish to go into full rebuild mode, could bring in a massive haul for Green should they choose to move him. However, owner Mat Ishbia has made it clear that Phoenix wants to compete right now.
That’s why John Gambadoro, the host of the Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix talk show, revealed the latest coming out of the Suns’ camp. “The Suns do not plan to trade Jalen Green, he is expected to play alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt.”
The Suns do not plan to trade Jalen Green, he is expected to play alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 22, 2025
After the 2024–25 season went awry with Booker trying to handle point guard duties, the backcourt tandem of the franchise legend and the newcomer could offer better playmaking. Phoenix will still need to make more moves if they want to be competitive in the always-dangerous Western Conference, and will likely need the 10th pick they received from Houston to be an immediate contributor.
Last year, they missed out on any postseason action entirely, ending the year as the 11th seed. The addition of one Jalen Green isn’t going to flip that script entirely, but a few more moves could make the Suns competitive again.
