Sports' Shams Charania, John Wall and houston Rockets have met and both sides have agreed to find a new home for the veteran.
John Wall will be at training camp, but won't play any of the Houston games. If you're a Rockets fan and want to focus on the young core players like Jaylen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alpenren Sengen, Usman Garruba, Josh Christopher Jr. and Ken Young Martin Jr., it's exciting news. The problem is, it's hard to imagine a more unshakable contract than Wall's remaining two-year, $91.7 million.
No one thinks Wall will finish the rest of his contract at Houston, but there's hope that a solution will be reached later. Wall's contract expires next season, and both sides could seek to buy out the contract.
Finding a deal now will be complicated. Unless it's for star players or young players, super teams like the Rockets really shouldn't transfer any of their assets out, but they're unlikely to find a suitor for John Wall who at least doesn't want a first-round pick.
John Wall Trading Objectives:
1. Los Angeles Clippers
This destination makes the most sense. Back when Cowy Leonard was healthy, the Clippers needed stronger point guards. They have a lot of matching salaries, including Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard, Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka. If both sides wait a few more months, Marcus Morris could also be an option. The Clippers won't have a first-round pick until 2027 either, so they'll be happy to accept Wall's contract. Given Leonard's absence this season, he will also be the second-best player on the team's roster.
2. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are unlikely to strike such a deal before the season, but if Porzingis doesn't fare well at the start of the season, John Wall could be a good save deal. Porzingis was owed $101.5 million over the next three seasons, and Dallas acquired him, making him the second-best player in the championship team.
John Wall may not be such a person for Dallas, but he can serve as Luka Doncic's substitute pointer and add to the glory of the team. The Mavericks don't have a 2023 first-round pick, so Houston could use the Bucks' first-round pick as a motivator to close the deal.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Given the assets that would be required to close the deal, such a deal could be a heavy blow for Houston. Ben Simmons' trade value is much higher than John Wall's. The team won't be reluctant to accept Simmons because of his contract ($146.7 million, 4 years left), but he's in good form on the pitch.
He's one of the best defensive players in basketball and a great passer, so the space for this trade is a first-round draft pick and a young player, with the exception of John Wall. This is an obvious possibility because the two teams share a relationship, but there are better options for both parties.
Considering Wall's contract, his desire to join a good team and the market, it's very difficult to trade him now. If John Wall has a smaller salary, doesn't mind joining a bad team, and is willing to accept assets to trade him, and the NBA's best teams don't have better point guard options, then the exercise will be a little easier. I reportedly think most mock deals are akin to contract sell-offs, which doesn't seem like rockets are willing to do.
Anyway, I think it's going to end up being a buyout situation, and John Wall stayed on the sidelines until he realized there wasn't a market for him. The days after the February trade deadline or the days after becoming a free agent in 2022 will be important, as this is usually when high-profile buyouts occur. For now, this could be a long waiting game.