In a seismic summer move, the Phoenix Suns completed the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade with the Houston Rockets, acquiring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 no. 10 overall pick, and five second-round picks. But while Durant headlines the deal, whispers are growing louder in Phoenix: Will Green even suit up for the Suns?
Sources have indicated they’re already gauging his value around the league and working draft picks and additional talent into potential packages. Now 23 and locked into a $106 M extension, Green blends breakout upside with moments of playoff inconsistency, a promising but risky trade chip.
As the Suns look to reshape their backcourt and balance the books post‑Durant, Green’s next destination could define Phoenix’s offseason narrative. Ahead, the 5 most compelling trade destinations for Jalen Green, including some interesting contenders eyeing star power.
Los Angeles Lakers
Proposed Trade Details
Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade), 2031 first-round pick
Green brings a dynamic, high-flying presence to the Los Angeles Lakers; his explosive athleticism and deep shooting ability would mesh well with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. At 23, he still offers significant upside and lengthens their roster, giving them a lethal 1-2 punch in transition and off-ball movement. Green posted 21.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this season.
His ability to create his own shot would take pressure off Doncic in late-clock situations. The Lakers add a youthful scoring punch to complement their veteran-heavy core, potentially extending their championship window.
Green’s high-ceiling talent fits a future beyond LeBron, while trading Austin Reaves (20.2 PPG, 5.8 APG), one of their only cost-controlled assets, is “expensive,” but if Green pans out, it’s a calculated gamble. Reaves is also a free agent next season and will demand a hefty payday, and he doesn’t have the same flair as Green does, so a move might be needed.
Meanwhile, by receiving Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith, Phoenix lands two versatile wings who can stretch the floor and defend, key needs without Durant. Reaves offers efficiency and playmaking, both proven in LeBron’s system, while Finney-Smith brings 3-and-D reliability. Adding a 2031 first-rounder gives the Suns long-term flexibility.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, 2025 No. 37 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick (top-5 protected), 2031 first-round pick
The Detroit Pistons transform into a headliner hub overnight by landing Green, instantly injecting star power around Cade Cunningham (26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG) to anchor marquee opportunities and boost fan engagement. His athleticism and scoring ability align perfectly with a developmental timeline centered on their young core.
Detroit not only gets their next franchise cornerstone but also diversifies their future assets by shedding multiple picks, essentially betting on Green’s star trajectory. Even with restrictions on draft capital, the Pistons gain potential momentum to re-energize a franchise that has playoff hopes moving forward. It will also be interesting to see Cunningham and Green on the same team as former No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks.
Finally, Phoenix acquires solid frontcourt pieces in Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland, both young, rugged, and capable of defending the paint. Coupled with the No. 37 pick plus future firsts, the Suns gain flexibility, depth, and roster balance. Stewart adds immediate size; Holland provides a project with upside, but the picks are what the Suns will be very happy about.
Charlotte Hornets
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, 2025 No. 4 overall pick
Green would instantly become the Charlotte Hornets’ first bona fide star around LaMelo Ball, a built-in go-to scorer and playmaker who could accelerate their climb. His offensive skillset fits well alongside Ball (25.2 PPG, 7.4 APG), and pairing youth with youth creates a potent rebuilding duo.
Charlotte shores up with a vote of confidence in their development plan, demonstrating a willingness to go all-in by packaging a high draft pick. This move sends a clear message of ambition, offering their core a centerpiece to build around while keeping future flexibility.
By acquiring Jusuf Nurkic, Phoenix gets an established big who can anchor the defense and control the paint, smoothing the transition out of Durant’s shadow. Josh Green brings perimeter toughness and familiarity to the Suns, while the No. 4 pick in 2025 brings fresh top-tier upside.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Ziaire Williams (Sign-and-Trade), Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 8 overall pick, 2025 No. 19 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Philadelphia)
Green arrives in Brooklyn as a high-upside gamble; his athleticism, shot creation, and youth could revive their offense and could become the franchise cornerstone they are looking for. He positions himself to grow next to youngsters Cam Thomas (24.0 PPG, 3.8 APG) and Cam Johnson (18.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG), offering a fresh scoring punch and physical upside.
The Nets also get an electrifying young star to reinvigorate their fan base while keeping salary manageable. Green’s four-year window before free agency allows them to tailor his development, making him a foundational piece. How he plays out with Cam Johnson could be interesting, but that would be a high-scoring duo that could average 40 PPG with ease.
Lastly, Phoenix receives a multi-asset return: Ziaire Williams and Keon Johnson add youthful defensive upside via sign-and-trade; Noah Clowney is a project big with tools. They also gain two mid-first-rounders this year and another 2027 pick, reinforcing their draft capital after a disastrous few seasons in that regard.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, 2025 No. 12 overall pick, 2025 No. 45 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick
In Chicago, Green would be the vocal centerpiece, boosting a roster in need of athletic firepower and perimeter scoring. Alongside Josh Giddey (14.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 7.2 APG) and Coby White (20.4 PPG, 4.5 APG), he’d fill another scoring spot with youth and potential under a coach who can tap into his athletic gifts.
The Bulls would also signal a shift from middling to ambition, and landing Green signifies a true commitment to building a young, dynamic core. They reinvest lost draft capital back into high-upside talent, potentially accelerating a return to playoff contention.
Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu are both cost-effective, versatile wings who provide defense, spacing, and a team-first mentality. With picks in 2025 and ’27, Phoenix shores up both present and standing future flexibility for roster maintenance post-Durant era.
