With the deadline to extend players on the horizon, the Houston Rockets haven’t made any decisions. They had two young studs – Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun entering the last years of their contracts. Likewise, with the hours depleting quickly, the fanbase grew anxious. Earlier reports claimed both aren’t in contentions for max deals, which did remain true. However, the Rockets ensured that their stay in the city supersedes beyond the current season.

Sengun, a promising center who has earned comparisons to Nikola Jokic earned a five-year $185 million extension. The indication with him was evident. The Rockets see him as the man to carry the future of the franchise and roped him into a long-term deal. That’s not the case with his draft counterpart Jalen Green. The blossoming scorer signed a contract many analysts believe to be ‘unique’.

The figures reflect his immense potential. He attracted $106 million over three years. But it is far from an ordinary deal given to a star rookie. So what were the Rockets’ intentions behind such an unconventional agreement? “This contract was designed to allow him to be traded,” Brian Windhorst analyzed on Hoops Collective.

The deal, a two plus one, with the third year a player option provides the Rockets with a span to either establish confidence in Green. On the flip side, if the charismatic guard can’t reach his projected heights, move him in the coming years. But in deciding the terms, the budding star’s agency has found a way to protect their client as well.

According to Bobby Marks, Jalen Green has a “free get out of jail card” that he can use to navigate his long-term future in the case of a trade. “He’s not stuck on a five-year $150 million contract and he gets traded and all of a sudden he is in Detroit for years three to five with no way to become a free agent again,” the analyst pointed.

It’s a friendly deal for both sides. The Rockets are comfortable in having Green in their future but deem it necessary to construct a better picture of him in the coming seasons. In the wake that he does get traded, the 22-year-old will only have to spend one season before he can free agency in case it’s a team that doesn’t suit his preferences.

What to expect from Jalen Green this season?

The Houston Rockets’ agreement does cat some doubts over Jalen Green. However, within the organization and the front office, there is looming positivity over what he can bring to the Rockets. “He is an extraordinary talent with an equally extraordinary work ethic. We look forward to his continued development as a pivotal part of our future,” the GM said.

The confidence doesn’t come unwarranted. Under the culture set by Udoka and veterans such as Brooks and VanVleet, Green came into his own during the latter part of the season. March was particularly big for the youthful guard, who averaged 27.7 points and shot 40% from three. The idea is to breed consistency with his outside shooting, which makes him a fierce offensive force rather than a sporadic shooter.

Additionally, his defense went unnoticed during the course of the season. Using his agility, Jalen Green was able to pull off several defensive performances that stood out. With plays that require motion, he has found incredible success. Notably, while defending the pick and roll, he averaged just 0.83 points allowed per possession, good for 76 percentile in the league.

With a neat 6’7″ wingspan, Jalen Green is able to use his size to generate steals and contest shots when defending on the move. The problems have come from closing out, which he often fails to do regularly. However, there are a lot more positives than there are problems with the blossoming talent.

Personally, there is a feeling that Jalen Green will play a huge role in the future of the Rockets or a team thirsting for a ravishing scorer who plays with tremendous energy throughout the game. He has the ability to stay healthy and compete, the tenacity Udoka has loved to see within the 22-year-old.