NBA Trade Rumors: Rival Teams "Abuzz" About Rockets' Star Being Dangled in Talks

The Houston Rockets went out last offseason and signed Fred VanVleet to a massive overpay of a contract in free agency, then added the controversial wing Dillon Brooks. And that was on top of signing the previously Celtics-suspended Ime Udoka as their new head coach. 

One thing was clear: Damned be the critics, they were out to super-accelerate their rebuild process after years of finishing in last place with young players who didn't have a feel for how to be pros. But they're not stopping here. Next up, according to rumors: expunge former No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green in a deal for a proven All-Star.

Rival front offices were abuzz about the Rockets’ willingness to include former No. 2 pick Jalen Green in packages for (Mikal) Bridges and other marquee wings, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

That's the word from Yahoo's insider Jake Fischer. Of course, the Brooklyn Nets have zero intention of trading Mikal Bridges, so the Rockets were forced to look elsewhere. 

Interestingly, Fischer adds, the Chicago Bulls did come calling at one point, and asked the Rockets if they would send Green their way for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. But Fischer says they weren't interested, because:

“I don’t think the Rockets really wanted to upgrade Jalen Green with the mind of getting someone who is, in theory, a $50 Million dollar version of Jalen Green.” Like Green, suggests Fischer, LaVine has never been a factor in driving 'winning.' All offense, no defense.

Green has an awful 119.7 defensive rating in his 3-year career, though the woeful marks of 120.2 in his rookie year, and even worse 122.5 last year, have gotten a bit better under the tutelage of Udoka, at 114.1 this season. But that's also come with a drop in scoring, from 22 points per game last year to 18 this season, while his three-point percentage continues to be unacceptable, currently at 31%.

Whether the Rockets pull off a deal for Green this week, or in the offseason, it could be that his days in Houston are limited.

  Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports