Rockets reportedly change stance on dealing key player at trade deadline

The Houston Rockets are expected to be active at the trade deadline, as they hope to bolster their roster for a postseason run. The Rockets have already made two trades thus far, dealing Kevin Porter Jr. for Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, followed by Thursday's deal that sent Oladipo and three second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for Steven Adams, who is injured for the season.

The Rockets have been linked to several others, such as Alec Burks, Quentin Grimes, Clint Capela, and AJ Griffin, among many others. The Rockets also were reportedly enamored with Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges, who Nets GM Sean Marks seems hellbent on keeping.

There were reports that the Rockets were willing to offer Jalen Green and the remainder of the Nets' unused draft picks from the 2021 mega-deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. The Nets reportedly didn't budge, meaning that won't be happening.

And based on the latest reports, Green will be staying put in Houston, according to Matt Moore of The Action Network. 

Rockets likely to keep Jalen Green past the trade deadline

"Jalen Green's recent improved play (30 points, seven rebounds and four assists over his last five games) has cooled talk of Houston potentially moving on from the No. 2 pick, though several sources said he was a key component in early talks between the Rockets and Nets for Mikal Bridges."

Moving Green right now never made sense, as he's still coming into his own and adjusting to a drastically different style of play from yesteryear. You don't punt on the development of a young player who is putting it all together.

And especially when his value is at his lowest, as that would render you unable to negotiate or bargain on trade compensation. In other words, you'd likely get taken advantage of.

Which is what the Nets were clearly trying to do.