Jalen Green Says Goodbye To Rockets

Jalen Green is closing a poignant chapter with the Rockets—and opening a new one in Phoenix. After four seasons in Houston, the now-Sun shared an emotional farewell in The Players’ Tribune, expressing gratitude for the franchise that drafted him as a teenager. Speaking openly about growing up in H‑Town, Green showed how deep his connection runs. At the same time, he’s energized to team up with Devin Booker and chase playoff success in Phoenix.

“I loved being a Rocket, for real. I almost can’t believe I’m talking about H-Town in the past tense. But that’s life in the league," wrote Green on the Players’ Tribune. "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. What’s that thing that people are always saying in these moments? Don’t cry because it’s over? Smile because it happened? Bro, I’m smiling. It’s nothing but love for the Rockets. I’m sorry I gotta try to bust y’all a-- now, but every time I see y’all, it’s gonna be love... Some dudes just be saying that when they get traded, but I really came here at 19 years old, still eating Skittles before games, and I’m leaving here as a father. It’s been a time, y’all.”

Green, 23, was drafted second overall by the Rockets in 2021. In four seasons with the franchise, he averaged 20.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on 42.2% shooting. To leave after helping the Rockets to their best season in years (second in the West at 50-32) was not what Green expected, but he's making the most of his new opportunity.

“I got a team out in Phoenix who wants me to be me," wrote Green. "I get to play alongside one of the best in the game in Book. It’s another opportunity to build a winning culture. Another opportunity to show people how deep my love for this game really is. And another opportunity to shut up y’all petty-ass haters, too. (I see everything, and I thank you for it.) 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.”

Green was once considered a cornerstone for Houston’s rebuild, but even he became expendable in the pursuit of Kevin Durant, who ultimately took his place on the roster. It was a major shift for the Rockets, one that reflected a pivot toward an experienced, title-ready roster that can complement young stars like Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson.

Now, Green has a fresh start on a Suns team perfectly aligned with his goals: teaming with Devin Booker, embracing a culture of winning, and addressing critics head-on. After averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on 42.3% shooting last season, he's slated to have his best season yet, and it may just be enough for the Suns to make some serious noise in the West.

As Jalen Green begins the next phase of his career, he does so with clarity, motivation, and zero apologies. While he may be leaving Houston behind, he’s bringing every lesson with him to Phoenix. And if his farewell message is any indication, the Suns will surely benefit from adding a nice young star with something to prove.