Danny Green explains decision to seek contract buyout from Rockets

When the Houston Rockets acquired NBA veteran Danny Green in a three-way trade sending Eric Gordon to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was clear the deal’s primary incentive was draft compensation. Green was largely included for salary matching purposes.

But while the Rockets are rebuilding, they said they were open to keeping Green around as a veteran influence for their younger players, should the fit be mutually acceptable to both sides. Ultimately, it wasn’t for Green, and a contract buyout resulted.

On his Inside the Green Room podcast, Green explained the thought process behind that decision. Among his comments:

Houston took an interest in me. I appreciate them for trading for me. They said they liked me and wanted to keep me on board, but they weren’t willing to offer an extension at the time.

That’s why it was like ‘Well, you know, if I’m going to be part of a rebuild, I need to know that I’m going to be here for some time. If I’m not getting that security right away, then let me explore my options with other groups or play for teams where I have a playoff chance. Where I can be in the postseason and keep myself relevant enough to play meaningful basketball and get another contract with a good contender or team.’

So when it didn’t work out in Houston — they talked, we discussed — they parted ways in a good, cordial manner. It took a couple days, but we got it done.

Green, who agreed to a deal with Cleveland after securing that buyout, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.