Mar 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

'I Gotta Try to Bust Y’all Ass Now' – Former Houston Rockets Star Drops Stern Warning After Kevin Durant Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 11:13 PM ET

The Houston Rockets sent Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns as part of the historic seven-team deal that landed them Kevin Durant this offseason, and Green recently took to the Players Tribune to write a farewell message to his fans in Texas.

While Green is appreciative of his time with the Houston Rockets, the high-flying guard joked that he’ll try to “bust their ass” when they meet on the court next season.

“Listen, nobody likes to get traded. But I can honestly say that I get it, bro. This is a business, and if I was up there in the executive chair, I probably would’ve made the deal, too. I think it’s a better situation for both sides, and I’m just excited to get it popping with Book, and to create that winning culture that we figured out down here in Houston,” Green wrote.

Jalen Green's GF Draya Michele Posts Vacation Photo After Rockets Star Loses Game 7 8 May 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives with the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“So I’ll miss Houston and all my guys down there, but I’m smiling, man. I get to play basketball for a living. How can I have a bad day? Every day I’m hooping is a good day. H-Town, thank you for the love. For real, thank you. And if I bust y’all ass for 30 next season, just remember the good times!” he added.

Houston Rockets add more depth by signing former first-round pick

The Houston Rockets continue to get busy, as they recently signed Josh Okogie to a one-year, $3.1 million contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Kyrie Irving Emphasizes on the Hornets Star's Growth; Expressed His Excitement: Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Josh Okogie (2) guards Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

This move gives Houston another wing defender who should fit in well with Ime Udoka’s tactics . The 26-year-old swingman played 40 regular season games for the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets, averaging 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 44.3 percent shooting from the field.

According to reports, Okogie drew interest from the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Houston Rockets.