Jalen Green: Contract, Salary & NBA Future
Jalen Green is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, known for his explosive scoring, athleticism, and relentless drive. Since being selected second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft, Green has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the league. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Jalen Green’s contract, including his rookie deal, his extension, salary details, the implications for the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, and what his future in the NBA might look like.
1. Jalen Green Early Career and Rookie Contract
Jalen Green was born on February 9, 2002, in Merced, California. From a young age, he demonstrated an exceptional basketball IQ and athleticism. Rather than attending college, Green chose to take a different route, playing for the NBA G League Ignite team, where he could develop his skills in a professional environment. His decision to bypass college basketball helped him refine his game, and it paid off when he was selected by the Houston Rockets with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
As a top draft pick, Green was signed to a rookie-scale contract, which is a standard contract for first-round picks in the NBA. The structure of a rookie-scale contract is set by the NBA and is based on a player’s draft position. Green’s initial deal was a four-year contract, with two guaranteed seasons and two team options for the final two years. The total value of his contract was approximately $40.8 million over four years, with annual salaries ranging from $8 million to $12 million depending on the year.
This rookie-scale deal, while not as lucrative as the contracts of established NBA stars, provided Green with a solid foundation to prove himself in the NBA. His first two seasons in the league were about proving his worth and establishing himself as one of the top young players.
2. Jalen Green Contract Extension: A Major Payday
In October 2024, just after his rookie contract began, Green signed a three-year, $106 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, which would run through the 2027-28 season. This extension was a clear signal from the Rockets that they were committed to Green as a cornerstone of their rebuild. The extension includes a player option for the third year (2027-28), allowing Green the flexibility to opt out of the contract and negotiate a more lucrative deal if he continues to develop into one of the league’s top talents.
Key Details of the Extension:
- Duration: 3 years
- Total Value: $106 million (approximately)
- Player Option: For the 2027-28 season, meaning Green can choose to stay or opt for free agency.
- Salary Breakdown: Green’s extension will see his salary increase significantly, with projections of $33 million in 2025-26, $36 million in 2026-27, and the possibility of earning up to $36 million in the player option year (2027-28).
The contract extension was seen as a significant step forward for Green, especially considering his development trajectory and the Rockets’ plans for the future. Houston’s commitment to him is a reflection of his potential to become a star player in the league.
3. Salary Breakdown: How Much Is Jalen Green Earning?
Green’s contract extension significantly increases his earnings compared to his rookie deal. Here is a detailed look at how much he is set to earn each season under the new contract:
2025-26 Season:
- Base Salary: Approximately $33.3 million
- Cap Hit: Around $33.58 million
- Dead Cap Value: Approximately $33.3 million
2026-27 Season:
- Salary: Estimated at $36.25 million
2027-28 Season (Player Option):
- Salary: Estimated at $36 million, should he choose to exercise the player option.
Comparison to His Rookie Contract:
Under his rookie contract, Green’s salary was in the range of $8 million to $12 million per season, depending on the year. With his extension, Green’s salary for the 2025-26 season alone will be more than three times that amount, placing him among the higher-paid shooting guards in the league at such a young age.
4. Jalen Green Role with the Houston Rockets
The extension solidified Green’s role as a franchise player for the Houston Rockets. Alongside young stars like Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., Green is seen as the centerpiece of the Rockets’ rebuilding project.
Why the Rockets Chose to Extend Green Early:
The Rockets decided to extend Green’s contract early for a few key reasons:
- High Potential: Green has shown flashes of being an elite scorer and has demonstrated his ability to lead the Rockets’ offense.
- Offensive Threat: His scoring ability, particularly his explosive first step and ability to finish at the rim, made him an immediate offensive weapon for Houston.
- Team Building: The Rockets have invested heavily in building around Green, which includes surrounding him with young talent and securing their future core.
With his contract extension, Green is expected to continue developing and eventually lead the team back to playoff contention.
5. Jalen Green Trade to the Phoenix Suns (Potential)
As of June 2025, there were rumors about Jalen Green being included in a major trade deal. Green was reportedly part of a trade package that would send him to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for several players, including Kevin Durant. If this trade occurs, Green’s contract extension would travel with him to Phoenix, meaning the Suns would take on his salary and player option for the 2027-28 season.
Trade Implications for Green:
- Salary Transfer: Green’s new contract would remain in place, meaning the Suns would be responsible for the remaining years of his extension.
- New Team Dynamics: The move to the Suns would place Green alongside established players like Devin Booker and Chris Paul, creating a more competitive environment. This could accelerate his development as he learns from veteran stars.
- Flexibility: The player option in his contract gives Green more control over his future, allowing him to either continue with Phoenix or explore other opportunities after the 2027-28 season.
If this trade happens, Green’s future will be in a new system, which could have major implications on his career and contract negotiations.
6. Contract Comparisons and Market Context
Jalen Green’s contract, though large for a young player, is not yet in the supermax or max player category. However, it is a significant investment by the Rockets, and it puts Green in a position to earn even more if he continues his development.
Comparison to Other Young Stars:
- LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), another rising guard, signed a $260 million extension in 2023, which is a bigger deal than Green’s but in line with the league’s investment in young talent.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) signed a similar extension, reinforcing the trend of giving high potential players lucrative deals early in their careers.
Green’s contract places him among the top young players in the league, but he is still several steps away from entering the supermax level reserved for players like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Stephen Curry.
7. What’s Next for Jalen Green?
Free Agency and Player Option:
With the player option in Green’s contract, he has a chance to opt out of the deal after the 2027-28 season and test the waters of free agency. If his performance reaches an All-Star level, he will likely command a max contract in free agency, potentially surpassing the $200 million mark.
Green’s path to a supermax deal depends on several factors:
- Consistency in performance: Maintaining high-level play and improving his defense could push his value even higher.
- Team success: If the Rockets or Phoenix Suns become championship contenders, Green’s market value will increase.
- Market demand: As more teams seek young, dynamic stars, Green’s marketability could soar.
His Legacy in the NBA:
- Offensive Skills: Green has shown he can score at all levels of the floor, and his shooting consistency will be key to his future.
- Defensive Development: Improving on defense will be essential for Green to reach his full potential as a two-way player.
As Green approaches his peak years, he is poised to become one of the leading stars of the NBA — and his contract will play a key role in that journey.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Jalen Green
Jalen Green’s contract journey is a testament to his growing stature in the NBA. From his rookie contract to a $106 million extension, he is now one of the young stars of the league, with the potential to earn even more in the future. Whether with the Houston Rockets or Phoenix Suns, Green’s development will be critical in shaping the future of whichever franchise he plays for.
Green’s contract, his explosive offensive talent, and his leadership abilities all indicate that he will be a fixture in the NBA for years to come. The flexibility provided by his player option ensures that he has control over his destiny, and as his game matures, Green’s earnings and legacy will continue to grow.
