How Spurs Could Make Offseason Trade For Rockets’ Jalen Green

In a hypothetical trade scenario envisioned by Bleacher Report, the San Antonio Spurs would acquire Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets this NBA offseason. In exchange, the Rockets would receive Blake Wesley and a 2024 first-round draft pick that is top-six-protected, originally belonging to the Toronto Raptors.

Green’s journey with the Rockets hasn’t quite met expectations, as his statistical output and efficiency have declined in his third season. This comes as the Rockets have revamped their roster, introducing several new key players, which has resulted in a diminished role for Green.

A change of scenery to San Antonio could offer Green the fresh start he needs, especially with the opportunity to team up with the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs, who are struggling offensively with a ranking of 27th in the league (109.0 rating), might find Green’s scoring ability and untapped potential exactly what their lineup needs.

From Houston’s perspective, trading Green could open up more opportunities for players like Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson, potentially enhancing the team’s performance.

The Rockets have faced challenges with Green on the court, as metrics indicate they’ve been 8.2 points per 100 possessions worse with him playing, placing them in the 16th percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass.

For Houston, acquiring Wesley, the 25th pick in the 2022 draft, would bolster their shooting guard options. However, the primary attraction in this hypothetical trade is the Raptors’ first-round pick for the upcoming draft, which is projected to be the 8th overall.

This pick would enable the Rockets to add another promising talent to their roster without the immediate pressure of negotiating a contract extension, unlike Green, who is eligible for a rookie extension this summer.