If the Lakers are willing to take the first round pick, the Rockets are willing to exchange Wall for Westbrook

NBA reporter Marc Stein reports that the Rockets have become the next home for Russell Westbrook's potential deal.

Stein wrote: "Like many people in the League, I used to think that the Rockets were no longer interested in returning Westbrook after sending Westbrook to the Wizards back to Wall. I learned that the Rockets really had no interest in getting Westbrook to play for them again, but if the Lakers could give enough draft pick compensation, they were willing to trade Wall for Westbrook. According to a number of sources, the Lakers are willing to take the first round pick in 2027, and the Rockets are willing to use Wall to eat Westbrook. The Lakers can offer multiple second-round picks, but the 2027 first-round pick is coveted by opposing teams. ”

Stein himself said the deal was unlikely to happen before the Deal Deadline on Feb. 11, when the Rockets traded Forwall in December 2020.

Wall hasn't played for the Rockets this season, and he earns $47.37 million a year for the 2022-23 season.

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, eight rebounds and 7.8 assists this season and earned $47.06 million in annual salary for the 2022-23 season.