Suns Guard Jalen Green Set for Season Debut Against Clippers
After being acquired in the Kevin Durant trade, Jalen Green has yet to play for the Phoenix Suns due to a right hamstring strain. That changed on Thursday when he made his Suns debut.
Trade Details and Background
The final piece of the NBA offseason’s blockbuster Kevin Durant trade fell into place as the Suns faced the Los Angeles Clippers. The 23-year-old guard, who averaged 20.1 points per game during his four-year career with the Houston Rockets, had been sidelined through the preseason and first eight regular-season games due to the hamstring injury.
Green was acquired by Phoenix along with Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft, which the Suns used to select Khaman Maluach. This trade sent future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant to Houston.
Green’s Adaptation to the Suns
Despite never having played a game in a Suns uniform before the injury, Green expressed confidence and comfort with his new team.
“Coming here, I got to know [the team], and I picked up with everybody very fast. Everyone is cool and has the same goals and mentality, so that makes it easy when you’re chasing that same goal with somebody. … From the coaching staff, to the players, to the front office, everyone is just great. The relationships molded fast.”
Green’s words underline his quick adjustment both on and off the court in Phoenix, signaling a promising start with the Suns.
Author’s Summary
Jalen Green overcame an early injury and is ready to impact the Suns, having quickly formed strong bonds within the team following his trade from Houston.