Jeffrey Lynn Green is an American basketball player currently playing in his 15th season in the NBA. Born on August 29, 1986, Green has been hailed as the ultimate journeyman by the fans as he has been on the roster of 11 different NBA teams. Hailing from Cheverly, Maryland, Green attended Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and led the NHS Wildcats to the state basketball championship in 2004. Following that, he had a tremendous three-year career (2004 to 2007) with the Georgetown Hoyas, which included his first Big East title since 1989 and a final-four appearance.
NBA players and fans around the globe affectionately call Green "Uncle Jeff", and this amusing nickname was given by none other than LeBron James. In 2008, LeBron remarked that Green's game reminded him of "an uncle at a park" – someone who's fundamentally sound and capable on the court. Just like that, everyone started calling him “Uncle Jeff”, including his friends Kevin Durant (KD) and Russell Westbrook, who persuaded Green to name his Twitter handle “Uncle Jeff”. In the 2022-23 season, Green finally won the NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets. During the 2022-2023 season, he contributed to the team's success by playing in 56 games, averaging 19.5 minutes per game, and delivering 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
Jeff Green Team
Jeff Green currently plays for the Houston Rockets as of April 2025. The Rockets are the 11th team Green is playing for in his 15 seasons in the NBA.
Jeff Green Trade
Green was an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason. Several teams sought the veteran's services, but he ultimately opted to join the Houston Rockets. The Rockets signed Green to a two-year contract worth $16,000,000, with the second year featuring a team option. His decision to sign with the Rockets was driven by his desire to provide valuable experience and leadership to this young and promising team, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the world of professional basketball.
How many teams has Jeff Green played?
Jeff Green has played for 11 NBA teams as of April 2025.
Seattle Supersonics
It all began when he was chosen as the fifth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. However, he was traded to the Seattle Supersonics for whom he made his debut in 2007. The Supersonics were later relocated to the Oklahoma City Thunder, so the Thunder is considered Green’s first NBA team.
Boston Celtics
Later in 2011, the Boston Celtics brought him in a trade, so the team that drafted him was the second NBA team that he played for. He played with the Celtics until 2015.
Memphis Grizzlies
From Boston, the former Celtics star first moved on to the Memphis Grizzlies (2015-16) and then the Los Angeles Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers
He was traded to the Clippers in a trade including Lance Stephenson and a protected first-round pick.
Orlando Magic
In the 2016-17 season, he found himself in the colors of the Orlando Magic, where he received his biggest contract of his career, worth $15 million for the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Green followed that by a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18), where he was a vital contributor during their Cavs’ now-famous playoff run to the Finals led by LeBron James.
Washington Wizards
In the 2018-19 season, he fulfilled a dream by playing for his hometown team, the Washington Wizards,
Utah Jazz
But then in early 2019, he also suited up for the Utah Jazz and had a small stint there.
Houston Rockets
During the 2019-20 season, he played for the Houston Rockets for the first time, reuniting him with former teammates Harden and Westbrook.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets came calling in the 2020 offseason, and here he teamed up with former teammate Kevin Durant. After just one season in Brooklyn, he decided to join the Denver Nuggets, led by MVP Nikola Jokic. This was the move that culminated in an NBA championship in 2023.
Houston Rockets
Green returned to the Houston Rockets for a second stint, as he signed a two-year $16 million contract with the Rockets after winning a championship with the Nuggets. The veteran's career continues to evolve. So, Jeff Green may not have found a permanent home within NBA franchises, but he has certainly secured a permanent place in the hearts of basketball fans across the globe.
Why did Jeff Green leave the Nuggets?
Jeff Green left the Nuggets in the 2023 off-season because the Houston Rockets offered him significantly more money than the Nuggets could have offered. The Nuggets did not have the cap space to offer him more money.
With an enticing contract of $8 million for the first year, and the potential to make it a total of 16 million over two years, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. Having earned approximately 4 million a year for six consecutive seasons since 2017, this was a chance to double his earnings in a single season. So, especially at the age of 37, opting for the contract was a no-brainer for Green.
FAQs on Jeff Green.
A. Jeff Green was born on August 28, 1986.
A. Jeff Green has won one championship.
A. Jeff Green was drafted by the Boston Celtics, 1st round (5th pick, 5th overall), 2007 NBA Draft, who traded him to the Seattle Supersonics immediately
A. Jeff Green is 6-8 (203 cm) tall.
A. Jeff Green weighs 235 lbs (106 kg).
A. Jeff Green's nickname is Uncle Jeff.
