After taking a massive step forward last season and being one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, the Houston Rockets have a fascinating offseason ahead of them. GM Rafael Stone has to strike the fine balance between winning in the present and in the future. This requires nailing the decisions about which young players to retain and which ones to let walk.
Since he was Houston's second-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jalen Green has been a polarizing figure. His physical and athletic tools have been intriguing for a long time, as he profiles as a high-end scorer and a dynamic offensive player. He certainly had his moments in Houston, but he hasn't been able to live up to the expectations of Rockets optimists. With the contract extension that pays him $33.3 million for next season kicking in, the Rockets have to make a tough decision on the 23-year-old shooting guard.
One path they can follow is the trade route. Green can be more valuable to a team that doesn't have title aspirations. A team that can give him the ball and have more patience with his development is likely a better fit for Green.
Enter the Chicago Bulls. A trade scenario in which Green heads to Chicago in exchange for Coby White and Kevin Huerter may be a win-win scenario.
White is the centerpiece of this trade. The Bulls may choose to part ways with the 25-year-old instead of giving him a long-term contract extension. White is entering the final year of his team-friendly contract, paying him $12.8 million for next season. He can shoot, make plays, and score in a pinch.
Huerter can help solve Houston's shooting woes. The veteran shooting guard is a career 37.5% three-point shooter on high volume. He can revive his career with the Rockets after having a down year in Chicago.
The Rockets get one high-level, versatile offensive player in White and another rotation-level shooter in this deal. After disappointing in the playoffs and raising questions about his future in Houston, Green may not net the Rockets a better package than this.