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Mixed Jalen Green performance forces Rockets to question their decisions

Jalen Green helped the Suns beat the Rockets and raised some questions in Houston.
ByDarren Butler
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Nov 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Nov 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On July 6th, 2025, the Houston Rockets traded Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns in the trade that netted the Rockets Kevin Durant. In the November 7th matchup this season, we saw these two teams and players take each other on in what was a 102-99 win for Phoenix. This was Houston’s third loss of the season and came after another disappointing loss.

After losing to a Minnesota Timberwolves team missing Antony Edwards, the Rockets follow that up with a loss to a team that is now 3-5 in the Suns. Kevin Durant had a productive night with 21 points and 10 rebounds with the glaring issue being his 1-for-7 night from three. While I believe no one in Houston thinks deeply about that trade for Durant anymore, I cannot help but wonder what it would have been like if Green had never been traded.

Is there a scenario where Houston regrets the Green trade?

Green himself had a productive night, scoring 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists as Devin Booker’s co-star. While it does not scream any signs of being better than Durant, it does raise the question when looking at overall depth. Green was not the only player traded; we would be looking at a team potentially including Green and Dillion Brooks.

The season is young, and we are only ten games in, so disappointing losses are going to happen. In my opinion the current core has looked very solid so looking towards the past and wondering does not seem worthwhile. This question comes down to how you feel: is this team going to be the same story as last season, or even another disappointing stop for Kevin Durant’s career?

A Jalen Green perspective

When Green was drafted with the 2nd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft there was plenty to be excited about. This was a time when a player skipping college to play in the G League brought great interest, especially with the process of playing against NBA-caliber players every game. Houston was hoping they had found their guard of the future. Between Green’s time and Durant’s time, it produced the same outcomes.

Looking at the team today, especially since Green has not shown to be a lights-out three-point shooter, I can confidently believe Houston prefers this team. The combo of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Marcus Smart brings a lot more to the table overall.

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