Jalen Green has begun a new phase in his career following his trade to the Phoenix Suns, sharing moments from a summer vacation with his girlfriend Draya Michele as he adjusts to his fresh start. The trade involving Green, along with Dillon Brooks and multiple draft picks, sent them to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant earlier this month.
Green, who has been in a relationship with Michele since August 2023, also recently welcomed their daughter Lyght, born on May 12, 2024. The couple posted a video on Green’s Instagram stories showing them enjoying a bicycle ride during their vacation, highlighting a rare moment of relaxation amid the unfolding changes in Green’s professional life.
Jalen Green’s Fresh Start in Phoenix
Green’s arrival in Phoenix follows a major trade where the Suns acquired him as part of a package deal to land Kevin Durant. Despite the excitement, Green’s role with the Suns faces questions since Phoenix already features prominent guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, all sharing the same position. The uncertainty around Beal’s future with the team adds complexity to the Suns’ backcourt alignment.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, having traded Green and others, appear focused on building around Durant, aiming for a deep playoff run with core players Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. They are positioned to compete strongly in the Western Conference against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder next season.
Advice from Dwyane Wade on Suns’ Direction with Green
NBA legend Dwyane Wade recently shared his viewpoint on how the Suns should proceed with their new roster makeup, urging them to prioritize Jalen Green over Bradley Beal. On his Time Out podcast, Wade suggested the Suns could choose to rebuild the team with Green at its center or maintain Booker as the key figure along with Green as a promising young talent.
“Beal has been in the league for a very long time,” Wade said. “I ain’t worried about what Beal got to say to me. If I got me a (23)-year-old, I get two years to see if he’s going to reach a potential that we all think he has a potential to reach. Beal? You be all right. I’m just keeping it real.”
—Dwyane Wade, NBA Legend
The Suns, a team that reached the NBA Finals in 2021, have struggled in recent seasons, notably missing the playoffs last year. Wade’s advice reflects a strategic crossroad where Phoenix might emphasize youth and potential growth through Green as they seek to regain their competitive edge.
Green’s Personal Life Highlights Amidst Trade Buzz
Off the court, Green and Michele’s relationship appears strong as they navigate both personal milestones and career changes. The couple’s vacation video captured an intimate moment during which she wore a distinctive yellow fishnet one-piece, and Green sported casual summer attire. The background music for the reel was the track gen5 by rapper SheLovesMeechie, adding a relaxed vibe to their time away from the spotlight.
As Green settles into the Suns’ lineup, his personal story intertwines with his professional journey, embodying a new chapter both privately and in basketball. The upcoming season will test how he complements the Suns’ core and whether Phoenix chooses to fully back him as a cornerstone moving forward.