Alperen Sengun opened up about the Rockets’ trade that sent Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant. He said it was tough to learn that Green was traded, as he was like a brother to him.
The Houston Rockets had an amazing 2021 NBA Draft when they drafted two future stars: Jalen Green (2nd pick) and Alperen Sengun (16th pick).
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
Position: PF
Age: 36
Height: 211 cm
Weight: 109 kg
Birth place: Washington, United States of America
Although both stars had difficult starts to their careers, struggling on a losing team, over the years the Rockets turned into one of the best young teams in the NBA, finishing second in the Western Conference last season.
Despite a successful regular season, the Rockets lost in the first round against the Golden State Warriors. This offseason, they decided to make a splash in the trade market, acquiring superstar Kevin Durant and parting ways with their young star Jalen Green as part of the trade.
Credit AP – Scanpix
Alperen Sengun, who had been there from the beginning with Green, opened up about the team's decision to trade Green, saying it was tough, as their bond over the years had grown very strong.
"Of course it was tough," Sengun said in an interview with Socrates.
"Jalen was like a brother to me. We learned the NBA together. I didn't speak any English when I first arrived. We learned everything from them," he added.
Jalen Green averaged 21 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in the regular season but struggled in the playoffs, putting up only 13.3 points and 5.4 rebounds on 37% field goal shooting.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the addition of superstar Kevin Durant positions the Rockets as one of the favorites in the Western Conference. With a mix of young talent and proven stars, the team will be one to watch closely in the 2025-26 season.
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