Jalen Green made a big name for himself in 2020 as one of the best high school basketball players in the country.

Instead of going to college, he chose a different path by joining the NBA G League Ignite, a team designed to help young prospects get ready for the NBA. His talent and performance quickly caught attention.

In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets picked Green as the second overall selection, showing how highly he was valued.

He had a strong start in the league, including a standout 38-point game in the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, which impressed fans and critics alike.

Because of his growth and potential, the Rockets gave him a major contract extension in October 2024. It was a three-year deal worth $106 million—setting a record.

Green became the first player ever to receive a “2-plus-1” rookie extension (two guaranteed years plus one team option) for that amount, marking a major moment in NBA contract history.

Houston to Phoenix: The Blockbuster Deal

On June 22, 2025, the NBA world was shocked when the Phoenix Suns traded superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In exchange, the Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and several second-round picks to the Suns.

This bold move signals that Houston is now aiming to compete for a championship by adding a proven star in Durant. Meanwhile, Phoenix gains a talented young scorer in Green, a strong defensive presence in Brooks, and added flexibility with valuable future draft picks.

Phoenix has stated it does not plan to trade Green—they see him as a long-term piece for their backcourt

Why It’s A Game-Changer

For Houston, trading Jalen Green helps them avoid paying him a large future contract (which could have cost over $105 million). Instead, they get a proven superstar in Kevin Durant. This trade brings experience and star power to their team, as they swap a young player for someone who has already achieved a lot in the NBA.

For Phoenix, the trade brings in younger players and fresh energy to build around. They also get the No. 10 pick in the first round of the draft, along with other future draft picks. This helps the Suns plan for the future and adds more tools for their rebuilding efforts.

Phoenix also forms a strong trio of scoring guards—Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Jalen Green. The hope is that this exciting lineup can lead to better success in the playoffs.

What Comes Next?

• The trade will officially take place on July 6, 2025, when the new NBA contract year begins.
• Jalen Green is expected to join the starting lineup with Devin Booker. There’s a chance Bradley Beal could come off the bench to strengthen the second unit.
• The Suns are hoping that this move toward a younger roster—supported by new draft picks—will bring fresh energy to the team after recent playoff struggles.

Profile Of Jalen Green

Name: Jalen Green

Born: February 9, 2002, in Fresno, California

Height / Weight: 6’4″ (1.93 m) / 186 lb (84 kg)

Position: Shooting Guard (#4)

NBA Debut: 2021 (Drafted #2 overall by Rockets)

Teams: Houston Rockets(2021 – 2025), Pheonix Suns (2025 -)

📔 Early Career

Jalen Green chose to skip college and instead joined the NBA G League Ignite team in 2020, where he averaged 17.9 points per game.

In 2021, he was selected as the second overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft.

🏀 NBA Career Highlights

• Jalen Green was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in the 2021–22 season.
• He’s known as an “iron man” for his durability, having played 166 consecutive regular-season games starting in February 2023.
• As of the 2024–25 season, his career averages are about 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 42% from the field, 35% from three-point range, and 81% from the free-throw line.

🤾 Strengths & Style

• Jalen Green is an explosive athlete known for his top-level speed, jumping ability, and skill at scoring—both when moving without the ball and on fast breaks.
• He attacks the rim aggressively, but his lean build can sometimes make it harder for him to finish strong when facing physical defenders.
• Over time, he’s developed better training habits, reportedly inspired by Kevin Durant, and now follows a strict daily workout routine to keep improving his game.

🏁 National & International Play

Jalen Green played for the United States in several international basketball tournaments as a teenager. He helped Team USA win gold medals at the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup—where he was also named the MVP—and the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup.

Final Takeways

Jalen Green’s trade to the Phoenix Suns is a major move for both teams. Houston is going all-in by bringing in superstar Kevin Durant, while Phoenix is placing a big bet on Green’s talent, youth, and long-term flexibility.

For Green, it marks a bold new chapter in his career and a fresh beginning with a team looking to compete for a championship. Green is a young and energetic guard known for his athleticism and scoring ability.

In Houston, he quickly became a key piece of their rebuild, earned a large contract, and proved his durability by playing nearly every game. Now with the Suns, he has a new opportunity to prove himself—on a bigger stage—and show that he can rise to the challenge and live up to the expectations of his $106 million deal.