‘It hurts’: Fil-Am NBA star Jalen Green reacts to Phoenix Suns trade
Photo from jalen/Instagram
Filipino American NBA standout Jalen Green is not backing down from the spotlight that comes with change.
Following a blockbuster trade that sent him from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns, Green is embracing the moment and sending a clear message to the league.
Speaking to Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Green didn’t hesitate when asked about how he envisions fitting alongside Suns star Devin Booker.
“We’re two people who know how to score the basketball, we’re two people who know how to attract the defense,” Green said confidently. “Everyone’s going to step around us. So when we’re doing something like that, you got to pick who you want to score tonight. And me and him both, it’s going to be a deadly scoring duo.”
Jalen Green on being with Suns: “We’re going to surprise a lot of people and make a lot of noise.”
On trade: “It hurts. Houston is home to me and forever will be home to me.”
On playing with Devin Booker: Me and him are going to be a deadly scoring duo.” #Suns #Rockets pic.twitter.com/TNoTv12FAe
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 12, 2025
Green’s words weren’t just about his individual game as they were a declaration of intent. “We’re going to surprise a lot of people and make a lot of noise,” he added, signaling big ambitions for the Suns’ revamped lineup.
The trade that brought him to Phoenix was nothing short of monumental. In a package to land future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, the Suns acquired Green, veteran forward Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-rounders. The move sent ripples across the league and stirred emotions for the 22-year-old guard.
“It hurts. Houston is home to me and forever will be home to me,” Green admitted, reflecting on the city and team where he started his NBA career.
Despite the emotional weight, Green shared a subtle but meaningful reaction on Instagram Stories shortly after the trade.
He posted a screenshot of the late Nipsey Hussle’s track “Blessings,” a song that hinted at his gratitude and readiness for what lies ahead.
Now wearing Phoenix orange, Green isn’t just moving forward as he’s charging ahead with purpose, swagger and something to prove.
