Jalen Green has had a breakout stretch for the ages lately. The No.2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has shown out for the Houston Rockets recently, carrying the team on his back toward a play-in spot. But what if the 22-year-old phenomenon never got this opportunity? In a shocking trade rumor, Green could have been moved along with several draft picks for 1 NBA star.

Green has averaged a whopping 27.2 PPG in the last 10 games, leading the Rockets on a resurgent 9-1 run. However, the team still continues to lurk outside the play-in picture, fighting for the coveted spot with the Golden State Warriors. While Green’s heroics have helped steady the team in Alperen Sengun‘s absence, the former lottery pick could have never had this golden opportunity, had the Rockets pulled the trigger on a startling trade.

Jalen Green nearly betrayed for another breakout NBA star

The Rockets had a Herculean task on their hands before the trade deadline. In addition to their playoff aspirations, they had to find a star player who could harmonize with Alperen Sengun. The Houston-based franchise looked at the Brooklyn Nets sensation, Mikal Bridges, for this job.

Veteran NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Rockets made calls for Mikal Bridges, packaging Jalen Green and several draft picks to acquire the former Western Conference champion. However, the Nets eventually rejected this offer, allowing Green continue his stint in Houston. This has now turned into a major blessing in disguise for the Rockets as the 22-year-old has emerged as their leader in the fight for a play-in spot.

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Mikal Bridges and the Nets on the other hand have had a bittersweet season. Their playoff hopes came crashing down after an unfortunate injury update on 3x All-Star Ben Simmons and locker room trouble that led to the firing of their head coach, Jacque Vaughn. To add insult to injury, their poor season cannot even lead to a lottery pick as they traded away all their 2024 picks for the blockbuster trades to acquire James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Jalen Green clearly has benefitted much more from the failed trade attempt as he is currently thriving on the Rockets roster.

Green’s rise since Alperen Sengun’s injury

Jalen Green averaged a mere 18 PPG while playing alongside the Rockets’ franchise player, Alperen Sengun in 2024. However, since Sengun’s devastating injury, Green has blossomed into Houston’s brightest star, averaging 27.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG. The Rockets’ offense has looked much more potent under the former No.2 pick’s leadership, making them one of the fastest teams in the NBA.

Alperen Sengun led the team in PPG and RPG in the 63 games he played this season. Having a near All-Star season, Sengun blossomed as the Rockets’ franchise player this season. After the team’s busy offseason, Houston looked to make a playoff push from the beginning of the season, However, Sengun’s injury cast a shadow on uncertainty on their hopes. But Green’s resurgence has not only brought them back in contention but has also rejuvenated their offense.

With Green’s shocking surge and the team’s improved chemistry, can the Rockets make a playoff push? Will they be able to secure the play-in spot over Stephen Curry and the Warriors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!