NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets Could Deal Young Star In "Big, Big Swing" On Trade Market

 The Houston Rockets have gone 13-2 over the last 15 games putting them right back in the playoff chase as we head down the stretch. Much of that run was fuelled by young emerging star Jalen Green, who has finally exploded into a star performer.

But according to NBA insider Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Green may not be long for Houston, as he suggests that both the former No. 2 overall pick and another emerging young talent, center Alperen Sengun, could be on the trade block this summer. 

The Rockets want to take a big, big swing in the trade market…        I don't know if both Sengun and Green are going to be here long-term. My guess—and I emphasize guess—is that one or the other would end up getting moved at some point for them when they take their big swing.

The Rockets made some big moves last summer to expedite their rise back to contention, by bringing in veterans with winning pedigree, like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and head coach Ime Udoka. The result has been a vast improvement over recent editions of the Rockets, as this year's team sits above .500 at 38–37 and just three games back of a spot in the Play-In tournament (though with only seven games to play, it might be too little too late this time around). 

Their next move, as McMahon indicates, will be to take another huge leap this coming summer, but it could mean dealing one of their rising young stars in order to pull off the blockbuster they feel they need. 

Photo: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports