After an emotional homecoming and overall feel good season in Houston, Gerald Green has agreed to return to the Houston Rockets in 2018-19.
It was a rollercoaster start to the 2017-18 season for Gerald Green, who was cut by the Milwaukee Bucks just three days before opening night. From that day, it was over two months before Green got another opportunity in the league, as Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets came knocking as the new year approached.
The 32-year-old local was an instant hit at the Toyota Center, averaging over 20 points per game from his second to sixth appearances as a Rocket. Overall, Green went on to reach double-digits in 28 of his 41 regular season outings.
In total, Green averaged 12.1 points on 36.9 percent shooting beyond the arc, providing an invaluable scoring punch off the bench for a guy that was plucked off the street two months into the season.
The deal — reported by Yahoo! Sports‘ Shams Charania — to bring Green back was a no-brainer for the bargain price of $2.4 million, with the Rockets low on salary cap room and happy to take an offensive contributor like Green without having to fork out major money.
A further wrinkle to the Green signing was the fact that the Rockets lost Trevor Ariza to the Phoenix Suns on the opening night of free agency, opening up more minutes at the wing spot, pending more moves.
The love for the city of Houston runs deep for Green, who openly expressed his emotions of getting the chance to play in his home city, with his Houston tattoos and Rockets logo braided hair being a regular feature.
Via ESPN, Green was thrilled to originally sign with the Rockets, so it comes as no surprise he was keen to return.
"“I can’t be more happy to be a part of this organization and to rep this city, proud as I am, man,” said Green."
Chris Haynes of ESPN tweeted prior to free agency starting that Green had multiple suitors. After the season he had, that’s hardly a surprise. It’s equally no surprise he chose to come back.
Free agent Gerald Green plans to meet with Houston in Los Angeles on July 1, league sources tell ESPN. The athletic, 3-point specialist has multiple suitors.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2018
An added bonus to the low-cash deal, is the Rockets will still have their mid-level exception to utilize towards another free agent. As a tax-paying team, the Rockets will have $5.3 million to use elsewhere with the MLE.
Green’s 3-point heavy offense fits the Rockets mould, and he will continue to let fly on a team that will look to go one better and reach the NBA Finals in 2018-19. After the significant blow of losing Ariza, being able to retain Green is a minor consolation. It’s not a home run or game-changing move, but it’s a valuable one for a franchise looking to load up on a dime.
Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Grade: B+