Rockets reportedly end pursuit of Suns star
All season, one of the biggest topics regarding the Houston Rockets was the team speeding up its timeline by seeking win-now upgrades. They've been closely connected to one Western Conference All-Star, but their pursuit seems to have reached its end.
When it comes to possible targets for the Rockets, Devin Booker has been one of the main names tossed out. Armed with draft capital and young talent, Houston has the assets to pry the star guard away from the Phoenix Suns. However, despite another disappointing season, the franchise has shown no willingness to part with its homegrown star.
While talking about the Rockets' offseason for The Athletic, Sam Amick provided new intel on the team's interest in Booker.
The Rockets have previously held serious interest in the Suns’ Devin Booker, but team sources said that is no longer the case. Not only do team officials still have faith in Jalen Green, who is five years younger than Booker and $66 million cheaper over the next three seasons, but also Booker’s struggles last season shifted the thinking on this front.
This stance could be viewed as shocking given how Green looked in this year's playoffs. His postseason debut did not go how the franchise might have hoped, as he averaged 13.3 PPG on 37.2% percent shooting against the Golden State Warriors.
With Green only being 23 years old, the Rockets could be smart by holding on to him. He's still years away from his prime, and he's on a similar timeline as the rest of the team's core. Now with a taste of the postseason under his belt, Green understands what parts of his game he needs to improve moving forward.
Putting an end to their reported quest for Booker is also smart for Houston for another reason: it was essentially a pipe dream to begin with. The Suns have stated on numerous occasions that they aren't trading him. Now, instead of sitting around hoping for a change of heart, the Rockets can pursue more promising avenues in hopes of remaining a threat to contend in the Western Conference.
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