HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 04: Jeff Green #32 of the Houston Rockets gestures during the game against ... [+]
Veteran forward Jeff Green is returning to the Rockets next season. After agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract last offseason, the Rockets had until June 29, 2024 to exercise the option on Green’s contract for this upcoming season. The contract became fully guaranteed on July 11, 2024.
Green, 38, was originally signed as part of Houston’s offseason makeover in an attempt to reshape the culture in the team’s lockerroom. Rockets general manager Rafael Stone also signed veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Along with internal growth from the Rockets’ young nucleus, the result was a 19 win improvement and a 41 win season.
Green played a pivotal role in Houston’s turnaround last season, averaging 16.8 minutes per game, and serving as Houston’s primary backup center for much of the season. On the year, he averaged 6.5 points, and 2.3 rebounds.
Green’s role in 2024-2025 will be less clear after Stone traded multiple second round picks at the 2023-2024 trade deadline to acquire veteran center Steven Adams. Adams missed the remainder of the year recovering from surgery but will presumably slot in as Houston’s primary backup big man behind fourth year center Alperen Sengun. Adams could also see time next to Sengun when facing larger, more physical frontlines.
The primary forwards figure to be third year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, the latter recovering from a lower leg injury which sidelined him for much of the season. Amen Thompson, the 6’7 second year prospect whose versatility allows him to play all over the floor, will also see some minutes at the ‘4’. It’s likely Green’s primary role will be as a calming veteran influence on what continues to be a very young team.
There’s another, off-the-court, reason for Green’s return: the nature of his contract. Green, Jock Landale, and Jae’Sean Tate give the Rockets a combined almost $24 million in virtually expiring salary to use in trades. It’s no secret that the Rockets will be aggressive on the trade market as they look to supplement their young core and build upon last season’s 41 wins. Houston is armed with future picks owed from the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns which Stone could dangle if attempting to lure a star. The aforementioned salaries, including Green’s, could help in facilitating a match under the rules of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
For now, Green is back with the Rockets, a familiar face who has been a valuable contributor in the past.