Fans of the Rockets are urging for the immediate trade of Jalen Green following the disappointing loss against the Warriors.
Houston Rockets Face Backlash After Flopping Against Warriors in 2025 Playoffs
The Houston Rockets' disappointing performance in the 2025 NBA Playoffs First Round against the Golden State Warriors had fans bashing their No. 2 pick from the 2021 draft, Jalen Green. The Dubs, despite being the underdogs, beat the Rockets, leaving many questioning Green's future with the team.
The 23-year-old Green seemed out of sorts in the series, underperforming when the team needed him the most. In Game 7's heartbreaking 103-89 loss, Green produced a dismal 8 points on a 37.5% shooting percentage with 4 rebounds and an assist in 30 minutes of action.
Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, the young stars of the Houston Rockets, shone even in the loss. Thompson recorded 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 37 minutes, while Sengun tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 40 minutes.
Fans took to social media to express their displeasure, with one user writing, "soooo, Amen the best in Houston. Jalen Green should be ashamed of himself." Another suggested trading Green for a "go-to scorer," and another wondered why anyone would trade a valuable player for him.
Should Jalen Green Be Traded? A Fresh Look
Green started the series strong with 38 points in Game 2 but failed to live up to expectations in the rest of the series. His average of 9.6 points on 34.8% shooting from the field raises concerns about his dependability as the primary scorer.
Several factors have contributed to Green's struggles, including facing elite defenders like Steph Curry and limited playoff experience. Further, the Rockets' rebuilding phase and a talented young core focused on the future might make trading Green a viable option.
Trade Scenarios for Jalen Green
If the Rockets decide to send Green elsewhere, there are several trade options to consider:
- Joining a Contender: Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers could offer immediate help for Green's explosive scoring. This move could benefit both sides, as the Lakers seek younger talent, and Green could flourish against opposition not as skilled as Curry.
- Trade for Assets or Veterans: Edging closer to title contention, the Rockets might trade Green to acquire established players or future draft picks that align with their long-term goals.
- Salary Cap Management: As the Rockets' promising young stars' salaries skyrocket, trading Green to free up salary cap space is a feasible option. This move would enable the Rockets to retain other young stars and remain flexible for future signings.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Green seems complex, revolving around whether the Rockets prioritize quick contention or continue their patient rebuild with their young core. Green's inconsistent playoff performances have left many questioning whether he's the right piece to propel the Houston Rockets to glory in the future.
The Houston Rockets' management might reconsider Jalen Green's future with the team, as his performance in the 2025 NBA Playoffs raised concerns about his ability to perform under pressure, causing fans to question his reliability as a go-to scorer. In light of these concerns, trading Green for a talented scorer or valuable assets to further their long-term goals could be a plausible trade scenario for the Houston Rockets.
