Houston Rockets Alperen Sengun Opens Up About Jalen Green To Suns Trade

The NBA offseason is always full of surprises, and one of the headline-making moves in 2025 was the blockbuster seven-team trade that sent Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant, among others. For the Houston Rockets, it was a monumental deal aimed at capitalizing on their recent playoff momentum. But for Alperen Sengun, it marked the end of a heartfelt partnership with Green, a fellow 2021 NBA draftee and a teammate with whom he’s risen through the league.

Houston Rockets Alperen Sengun Reflects on Losing a “Brother”

Alperen Sengun, now anchoring Houston’s frontcourt as one of the team’s cornerstones, didn’t shy away from admitting how emotional the trade was for him. Reflecting on their years together since joining the league in 2021, Sengun described the bond he shared with Green as more than just professional.

“Jalen was like a brother to me. We learned the NBA together. We made it into the playoffs together, we came up from the bottom together,” Sengun said in a recent interview. His comments echoed the camaraderie both players displayed on the court, where their chemistry sparked Houston’s turnaround from perennial basement-dwellers to a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

While Sengun acknowledged the personal difficulty of seeing Green leave, he also recognized the gravity of acquiring a player like Kevin Durant. “I was very sad, but at the same time, Kevin Durant is coming,” he continued. This poignant balance of emotions—losing a close teammate while welcoming an all-time great—encapsulates the complexities of being in the NBA.

A Superteam in Houston?

Sengun’s words come as the Rockets prepare to debut a new-look roster. Houston’s revamped starting five now features Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Sengun. With Durant joining the core, the Rockets hope to take the next step after falling short in the first round of last season’s playoffs.

Acquiring Durant was a clear signal from the Rockets’ front office that they’re all in on winning right now. His scoring ability, veteran leadership, and playoff experience drastically raise Houston’s ceiling. However, it also comes at a cost—not just financially or in assets, but in losing a young star in Green, who was instrumental in rebuilding the franchise.

What This Trade Means for Jalen Green

For Jalen Green, the trade is both an opportunity and a challenge. Moving to Phoenix places him in the company of Devin Booker. Joining forces with a playoff-tested core gives Green a chance to sharpen his skills and help the Suns contend for a championship.

Sengun, for his part, expressed confidence in Green’s ability to rise to the occasion in Phoenix. “I called Jalen right away and told him how I felt,” Sengun noted. “I hope this trade motivates you even more because I believe Jalen is going to be a really great player.” Sengun’s heartfelt message underscores the respect and high expectations he has for his former teammate, even as they part ways.

Green’s development in Houston, particularly under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, showcased his potential as one of the league’s most exciting young guards. Now, in Phoenix, he’ll have the chance to take his game to the next level, possibly as the Suns’ X-factor in a competitive Western Conference.

Rockets’ and Suns’ Strategic Directions

This trade represents a bold strategy shift for both teams. Houston’s acquisition of Durant indicates a full commitment to title contention, with Durant expected to take on a leadership role that complements the young and dynamic roster around him. Paired with Sengun, whose growth as a playmaking center has been remarkable, Durant provides the experience and scoring punch the Rockets need to dethrone conference heavyweights like Denver and Oklahoma City.

For the Suns, the addition of Green marks a move toward long-term sustainability. At only 23 years old, Green offers youth, potential, and athleticism to a team that already boasts star power. While Durant’s departure is a gamble for Phoenix, the move may pay off if Green thrives alongside Booker and Beal, adding an element of explosiveness that keeps their championship window open.

Moving Forward

Alperen Sengun and the Rockets are entering a new chapter, one with gaudy expectations and enormous potential. Sengun’s reflections on Jalen Green highlight the human side of the business, a reminder that trades impact relationships as much as they do rosters. But if Sengun’s optimism and leadership are any indication, the Rockets are well-poised to handle the transition.

Meanwhile, for Jalen Green, the trade presents a chance to rewrite his narrative in Phoenix. Whether he thrives in his new setting or struggles in the spotlight will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025-26 NBA season.