Reports recently emerged indicating that the Indiana Pacers had shown interest in acquiring former NBA All-Star John Wall from the Houston Rockets via trade.
Wall, who just passed the anniversary of his last regular-season game (April 23rd, 2021), hasn’t played for the Rockets as the team focuses on their younger players. Despite his lack of minutes, Wall has one of the highest salary figures in the league.
Wall is due over $47 million next season, thanks to a deal signed as a member of the Washington Wizards. Wall inked the deal injuries derailed the latter part of his career. Despite injuries and a behemoth contract, the Indiana Pacers reportedly considered trading for the former All-Star.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Indiana Pacers’ had a prior interest in a John Wall trade with the Houston Rockets, but the acquisition of Tyese Haliburton shifted their plans.
“Sources say that the Pacers’ interest, was registered before they acquired Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento and didn’t go any further.”
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The Pacers acquired Haliburton from the Kings mid-season in a deal structured around Domantas Sabonis. Haliburton’s age and promise allow the Pacers to focus on the future. It follows logically that the acquisition would reduce the team’s interest in Wall.
John Wall is only 31 years old, born within a few months of players like Damian Lillard, Paul George, Klay Thompson, and Jrue Holiday. It’s not inconceivable that Wall could, after considerable time off, return to form and be a productive player once again.
Wall last played above 70 games in a season in the 2016-17 campaign. That year, he put up 23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game for the Washington Wizards. Five years later, after injuries, COVID, and the Rockets’ tanking, Wall may be well-rested and ready for a strong comeback.
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If so, it is unlikely to come with the Indiana Pacers, who moved on by acquiring Haliburton. Wall’s contract situation will be one of the top stories for the Rockets this offseason.
