The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Jeff Green on draft night in 2007 during their days as the Seattle SuperSonics, and the 39-year-old may finally be forced into retirement. He played 30 games for the Rockets last season and even appeared in two playoff contests, but there have been zero rumors about the unrestricted free agent this offseason. Uncle Jeff may finally be forced to exit the NBA after 18 seasons.
Green has spent the last three years in Houston as a veteran on a young Rockets squad that went from rebuilding to contending. Houston only has 13 players under contract, but there is no room at the power forward position. Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr. will handle the minutes at the four. Green would have to be brought back as an end-of-the-bench veteran, but there have been no talks of a deal.
Green has had an incredible NBA career that has spanned 11 different franchises. Green turns 40 in August and would be the third-oldest player in the league if he returns. Sadly, it may be time to hang it up. It has been a great run, but the Thunder’s former draft pick appears to be done.
Jeff Green may be forced into retirement
LeBron’s free agency decision is holding up the forward market. Draymond Green, James Harden, Jonathan Kuminga, and more are still waiting to see where King James lands. Teams will quickly look to finish their offseason business once LeBron chooses his next team. Still, most free agents have been linked to teams at this point.
It has been crickets about Green. The 39-year-old hasn’t announced his retirement, but he may be forced into it. The unrestricted free agent doesn’t appear to be getting any looks.
Green spent his first three-and-a-half seasons with the Thunder organization. He averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 34.5 minutes per game during that stretch. Uncle Jeff started 261 of 289 games with the franchise before he was traded to the Celtics in 2011.
The Thunder aren’t bringing him back. They just traded Luguentz Dort to dodge the second apron and get their roster in order. OKC picked up three second-round draft picks in the deal and continues to stockpile capital. They plan on being in title contention, but the Thunder lost some of their trademark depth as max extensions kick in for Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Green won a championship in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets and was a key role player on multiple teams. He played 18 seasons in the NBA, but was part of the league for 19 years. He missed the entire 2011-12 season with a heart issue. Amazingly, he played another 14 years after that.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder starter Jeff Green may be forced into retirement as he remains an unrestricted free agent with zero rumored interest. The 39-year-old has been in an end-of-the-bench role for the last two years. It may finally be time to hang up the sneakers.
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