There has been a lot of attention given to the situation involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook. But, the Houston Rockets are also in a similar position with point guard John Wall entering the NBA offseason.
Westbrook and Wall were already traded for each other once, back in 2020, when the Rockets sent Westbrook to the Wizards in exchange for Wall and a first-round pick. This time around, Westbrook would have had to have the first-round pick attached to him, but nothing came to fruition.
Much like the Westbrook market, the Wall one isn’t very robust. He also possesses a player option for the 2022-23 season, which is a little more than Westbrook’s at $47.4 million. There aren’t many teams able to take on a contract of that size and there are even fewer willing to do so without draft compensation.
The same teams that could be interested in a Westbrook deal, such as the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers or Orlando Magic, could also get in on the Wall trade talks. But, the major difference is that the Rockets aren’t looking to acquire players that will improve the team in the way the Lakers are, who are looking to contend again next season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Houston Rockets Still Believe They Could Trade John Wall
That makes a buyout between Wall and the Rockets a much more attainable outcome. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, signs are pointing toward Wall and the team getting back to negotiating a buyout should a trade not materialize during the 2022 NBA Draft.
Should Wall reach the open market, he will have a bunch of teams lining up to sign him. Two teams to keep an eye on; the LA Clippers and Miami Heat.
The Clippers have been in the market for a backup point guard, as they spent the majority of the season without one behind Reggie Jackson. After parting ways with Eric Bledsoe at the trade deadline, the need became even more apparent.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Houston Rockets Still Believe They Could Trade John Wall
Miami is looking to swing a big trade this offseason. That could mean sacrificing some of the depth that they have unearthed this season in players such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. They could certainly use a little more depth in the backcourt, especially since Kyle Lowry has missed at least 14 games in each of the last four regular seasons.
Playing for a contender is likely something that will appeal to John Wall as well after a buyout. He has played on some winning teams in his career, but never one that had a real chance at competing for an NBA Championship. Landing with the LA Clippers or Miami Heat for the 2022-23 season would present Wall with a chance to have a consistent role on a team and compete for a ring.
