Skip to content

Jeff Green denies wanting to be traded, says frustration is with losing

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

First he was frustrated with losing. Now Jeff Green is frustrated with the media.

Green was unhappy Monday, forced to respond to rumors over the weekend that he was fed up with the Boston Celtics and looking to be traded. He vehemently denied that assertion, clarifying at length and making a request of the media moving forward:

Before you start, I just want to clear the air about some B.S. rumor that came out. I don’t know if the person who made this article is in this [group of reporters], but the rumor about me wanting to get traded is definitely false. I said that I was frustrated with losing, not frustrated with the team. So if the words didn’t come from my mouth, I'd appreciate if you do not write a dumb--- article like that.
...
I want to stay here. I love this team. I love being here.

After the team's loss on Friday, Green said he was frustrated and tired of losing. At the same time, reports had surfaced that Green had a great deal of value on the trade market right now. Some outlets put his frustration and market value together, and apparently it created the impression he wanted out.

Even if he's happy in Boston, Green may find himself in another uniform eventually. He's playing well, if a bit inconsistently, and comes with an affordable $9.5-million price tag. His player option for next season at the same amount isn't an onerous one to inquiring teams, especially since it's possible he'll opt out to secure a long-term deal.

The interest in Green is understandable. He's a solid, versatile defensive piece and is averaging 18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and two assists through 12 games. It's by no means a certainty he gets dealt, but he can probably expect to hear his name in rumors until February.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox