Rockets, John Wall agree he won’t play as sides work together on trade: Sources

Rockets, John Wall agree he won’t play as sides work together on trade: Sources
By Shams Charania and The Athletic Staff
Sep 14, 2021

After meeting and seeing eye-to-eye on the direction of the Houston Rockets, the franchise and John Wall have agreed on working together to find a new home for the five-time All-Star guard, sources tell The Athletic.

The plan is for Wall to remain present around the Rockets entering training camp, which begins late this month, and to not play in games for Houston this season, sources said. Wall is entering his second year in Houston after spending most of his career with Washington.

In a meeting between Wall and the Rockets recently, Houston officials explained to Wall the direction of the franchise and that the team wants to protect the veteran guard’s health. The Rockets explained that the team does not want to jeopardize Wall’s fitness, and the sides agreed on the route that won’t complicate his ability to continue playing at a high level.

Sources said there are no buyout plans on the two years and $91.7 million remaining on Wall’s contract — including a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season.

Wall is entering his 12th NBA season and both he and the Rockets recognize each side is in different phases. In 40 games last season, Wall averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 32.2 minutes per game, re-establishing himself as an effective lead guard after rehabbing knee and Achilles injuries.

The Rockets, meanwhile, are retooling around a talented young core of Christian Wood, No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., All-Rookie first-team forward Jae’Sean Tate and intriguing first-round picks Alperen Şengün, Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba. Athletic second-year forward KJ Martin has also been a bright spot of the Rockets’ rebuild. Through draft picks and free-agency moves — including signing veteran center Daniel Theis — the Rockets have the promise of a competitive, young roster.

Houston’s front office, led by general manager Rafael Stone, has added assets and franchise pieces in rebuilding in the aftermath of the James Harden trade.

The Rockets have had discussions with free-agent point guards in the marketplace in recent days, sources said.

Houston acquired Wall and a first-round pick from the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook prior to last season’s training camp.

Wall, 31, was an All-Star in each season from 2013-2018, earning third-team All-NBA honors in 2016-17.

(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

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John Wall, Rockets seek a mutual trade resolution: What it means for Houston and what’s next

What kind of return will the Rockets be looking for?

Kelly Iko, Rockets beat writer: You could honestly see a Wall return in two lenses. Because of Houston's position as a rebuilding team, the natural immediate answer is young players that are in need of development. But that's not always the case, nor should it be here.

The Rockets could also look to add veteran voices to round out the locker room, those that aren't yearning for contender positions like Wall would be. The $91.7 million remaining on his contract assumes that any deal should involve at least two other teams, so the Rockets should be looking to take back any pieces that will contribute to the rebuild, whether on or off the floor.

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Where could Wall end up?

Zach Harper, NBA writer: Without a buyout coming for Wall, finding him a new home becomes extremely difficult. He makes $44 million, which means you have to send out a lot of money in contracts (and likely a lot of players) just to make it logistically work.

The only team left with significant cap space is OKC (roughly $21 million). If they cleared out old cap holds (Nick Collison and Raymond Felton included), they could approach $34 million. That means Derrick Favors and cap space gets it done.

But in order to play with OKC, you need to send picks. And even then, Wall doesn't want to play in OKC. He may need to suck it up and take the buyout option, regardless of where he ends up.

What will the Rockets lose when they move Wall?

Iko: Houston is losing a strong voice, leadership and an expert playmaker. They lose a helping hand for coach Stephen Silas as well as a mentor for the younger players on the team.

Green and Porter are the future backcourt of this franchise, but having Wall around has its perks. Both Green and Porter are still in the early stages of becoming full-time initiators, something that comes almost second nature to Wall.

His expertise and experience will be missed around the team when he's eventually traded, leaving that in the hands of the coaching staff and front office.

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