3 Rockets most likely to be traded before the deadline

1. Jalen Green

Jalen Green could be on the move?! Cue the outrage!

Green isn't on this list because he's not a good player. In fact, it's quite the opposite, despite what many would want you to believe. 

Green is a 21-year-old scoring guard who is still figuring it out. That's why we've seen the good performances mixed in with the bad performances. 

The inconsistency should be expected. Scoring guards take longer to figure the game out. Especially when they've had multiple NBA coaches with very different philosophies.

Green is on this list because he's a good, young player and he's essentially the best trade chip on the roster. At least outside of Alperen Sengun, who would likely only be available for a top-ten player (of which, none are available).

The Rockets are looking to make a big play at the deadline, as they desperately want to be playing in late April and beyond. The key to getting a player of that caliber is giving up multiple picks and a good, young player.

Green fits that bill, as he's averaging 29.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 52 percent from the field, 36 percent from deep, and 94 percent from the foul line in the last five games. And he's still scratching the surface of his true potential.

Again, he presents the outgoing value needed to trade for a star-level player.