NBA Trade Rumors: John Wall, Rockets Mutually Agree to Find PG a New Home
John Wall and the Houston Rockets have reportedly "agreed on working together to find a new home for the five-time All-Star guard," according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Per that report, Wall will "remain present" around the team at training camp as it seeks a trade, but he will not appear in regular-season games.
Charania noted that "Houston officials explained to Wall the direction of the franchise and that the team wants to protect the veteran guard’s health."
The Rockets are clearly rebuilding around young players like Jalen Green, Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher, Jae’Sean Tate, Kenyon Martin Jr. and Usman Garuba, among others. A 31-year-old veteran like Wall doesn't fit within those plans.
Don't expect a buyout, however. Charania reported 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 was solid when he played last year, averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 32.2 minutes across 40 games.
But because of his massive contract, the veteran point guard is likely seen as a negative asset around the NBA.
The Rockets will have to take back some similarly undesirable contracts to deal Wall. They might even have to part with some second-round picks or heavily protected firsts.
Whether Wall actually gets traded may come down to how comfortable the front office is with that outcome.
