Alperen Şengün and the Houston Rockets made headlines this offseason by acquiring superstar Kevin Durant, a move that required sending one of Şengün’s closest teammates, Jalen Green, to the Phoenix Suns. Speaking candidly about the trade, Şengün expressed the emotional difficulty of parting with Green, whom he described as being “like my brother.”
The Bond Between Şengün and Green From Their Rookie Year
Both players entered the NBA together after being drafted by the Rockets in 2021. Over their first few seasons, they forged a strong connection not only on the court but off it as well. Şengün recalled how they navigated the challenges of adapting to the league side by side, especially highlighting Green’s support when Şengün was still learning English.
I was sad when he left. He was like my brother. I was sad when I got the news,
Şengün shared.
I was very sad—but at the same time, Kevin Durant is coming. Still, Jalen was my brother. I called Jalen right away and told him how I felt:
I hope this trade motivates you even more.
Because I believe Jalen is going to be a really great player. Sometimes he battles with himself, but I think he won’t do that anymore and will mature even more in his game. I truly believe he’s going to be a big player. I wish him all the best. We’re still talking, and I’ll bring him to Turkey too.
Of course it was tough. Jalen was like a brother to me,
Şengün added.
We learned the NBA together. I didn’t speak any English when I first arrived. We learned everything from them.
Implications of the Jalen Green Kevin Durant Trade for Both Players
The trade that sent Green to Phoenix in exchange for Durant does more than reshape the Rockets’ roster; it shifts the trajectories for both players. Houston now welcomes a proven Finals contender in Durant, immediately elevating the team’s championship aspirations. Meanwhile, Green’s move to the Suns presents an opportunity for him to develop further without the immediate pressure of title contention.
Şengün’s hope is that the change will inspire Green to reach new heights in his career, both mentally and on the court. Despite the physical separation, the two maintain close communication, with Şengün even planning to invite Green to Turkey. Their friendship remains a significant part of both players’ journeys forward.