Rockets Discussed Idea of Trading Jalen Green With Coaching Candidates

The Rockets discussed the possibility of trading second-year shooting guard Jalen Green when interviewing candidates for their coaching vacancy, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Houston eventually hired former Celtics coach Ime Udoka (full post). The presence of Udoka could mean the Rockets are willing to surrender some of their younger players for a proven star to make a quick return to relevancy, it seems.

But for now, that is all speculation, and may not be factored in until the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16, and whether the Rockets are able to walk away as winners in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Along with that, they have repeatedly been linked with James Harden, the 76ers guard and former Rockets star who can enter free agency this summer. Fischer also cited Bucks forward Khris Middleton as a potential target.

Here is what Fischer wrote:

“Houston’s long-rumored potential reunion with Harden, the 76ers guard who holds a player option for 2023-24, in addition to the Rockets’ chances at landing other primary free agents and top-billing trade targets this offseason, were repeated themes throughout Houston’s conversations with coaching candidates, sources said.”

Green, 21, is 6-foot-4 and averaged 22.1 points, 3.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds, shooting 42 percent from the field and 34 percent on 3-pointers.

Would the Rockets actually look to move him? Well, let’s put it this way — when you finish 17-65, there likely are no untouchables. Green has promise, no doubt, so it really all depends on how quickly Houston wants to make a run at the playoffs.

Milwaukee’s decision on Mike Budenholzer’s future looks far simpler from the outside. On the Bucks’ sudden offseason, Houston’s summer approach with Ime Udoka as head coach, plus intel on Detroit and Washington for @YahooSports: https://t.co/8Z5LEZr1Ll

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) April 28, 2023