New Suns guard Jalen Green named among NBA's most overpaid players

Jalen Green, the newly acquired guard for the Phoenix Suns, has been named among the most overpaid players in the NBA, according to a list compiled by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. For a franchise already dealing with Bradley Beal’s widely criticized contract, Green’s deal presents yet another potential financial headache.

Green signed a three-year, $105.3 million contract that will pay him $33 million in the upcoming season, followed by $36 million annually in the two subsequent years.

Favale argues that Green does not bring the same value as guards like Jrue Holiday or Zach LaVine, noting that his most prominent skills are inconsistent and not always compatible with team needs.

While Green is a high-volume scorer, his efficiency remains a concern. He has struggled to consistently create unassisted shots—an area where the Suns desperately need support. In fact, on/off-court metrics often showed the Rockets performing better when Green was off the floor, raising questions about his overall impact.

“Both [Green’s] on- and off-ball offense come with lackluster efficiency. He has posted a better-than-league-average clip on unassisted shot attempts just once, according to BBall Index. His shooting percentage on spot-ups has peaked in the 60th percentile—and placed in the 0th percentile this past year,” Favale noted.

The Kevin Durant Trade

Green’s arrival in Phoenix came as part of the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. While not a direct one-for-one swap, Durant was sent to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team deal. In exchange, the Suns received Green, Dillon Brooks, and highly touted prospect Khaman Maluach, along with five second-round draft picks.

The Rockets, who finished as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed last season, saw Durant as the missing piece to push them into legitimate title contention. Surrounded by Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun, Durant is expected to take on a defined role as the team’s primary scorer and late-game closer.

During his stint with the Suns last season, Durant played 62 games, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and an impressive 43.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Green’s Path in Phoenix

For Phoenix, Green’s acquisition represents both a risk and a potential reward. The organization is banking on his partnership with Devin Booker to accelerate his growth and transform him into a cornerstone player.

In essence, the Suns have traded one financial gamble for another. Whether Green proves worthy of the investment will depend on his ability to adapt, improve his efficiency, and thrive alongside Booker in a system with little margin for error.