John Wall Rumors: Rockets PG Open to Wizards Return; Bradley Beal Not Opposed to Move

As John Wall continues to wait for a situation that will allow him to resume his NBA career, a potential option that could be waiting for the five-time All-Star is one he knows very well. 

Per The Athletic's David Aldridge, Wall has told people close to him that he would be open to playing for the Washington Wizards and that Bradley Beal "wouldn’t dismiss a potential reunion out of hand" with his former backcourt running mate. 

Wall has not appeared in a game for the Houston Rockets since April 23, 2021, when he played 39 minutes in a 109-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

In November, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Wall and the Rockets had a differing view about what his role should be. He wanted to "have a starting role and compete to maintain it," but the team wanted him to come off the bench. 

There were rumblings leading up to the Feb. 10 trade deadline that Wall could be moved. NBA reporter Marc Stein noted the Rockets were open to taking Russell Westbrook in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, but they wanted Los Angeles' 2027 first-round draft pick in the package. 

No deals came together before the Feb. 10 deadline, so Wall continues to sit out. The 31-year-old has a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season. 

Beal's contract is the biggest storyline for the Wizards heading into the offseason. The three-time All-Star has a $36.4 million player option for next season, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on the Feb. 8 episode of NBA Today (2:35 mark) that he's seeking the full five-year max extension this summer. 

According to Aldridge, Beal's faith in Washington's front office to make bold moves was "buoyed" by the deadline deal to move off Davis Bertans' contract in the trade with the Dallas Mavericks that brought back Kristaps Porzingis. 

Beal had season-ending wrist surgery on Feb. 10. He averaged 23.2 points, career-best 6.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in 40 starts this season. 

Wall and Beal played together for seven seasons with the Wizards from 2012-19. They led the team to four playoff appearances and a Southeast Division title during the 2016-17 season.