The Rockets are in the process of rebuilding this season, while john Wall, the team's biggest veteran point guard, is facing an awkward position. The Rockets' future certainly belongs to 21-year-old Kevin Porter and 19-year-old Jaylen Green. Wall, who is about to turn 31, is clearly not fit for the team's future plans.
If Wall's contract isn't that big, it's valuable to put Wall playing with young players, who not only need to learn good playing habits and the conditions to win in the game, but also learn mature life skills. After all, the transition from teenagers to professional adults requires the guidance of veterans. Given the positivity and unity that Wall has brought to the dressing room during his last turbulent season, keeping Wall could have a positive impact.
Wall was also an extremely highly used player last season, with data showing that he was 31.6 percent more used last season, meaning he was higher than Russell Westbrook's 29.5 percent last season. It would be unrealistic to suddenly deny Wall a chance to play this season, or to simply compress his playing time. After all, Wall is too experienced in the arena against a group of unproven young players. Before Wall was injured, he had been a recognized superstar in the league. It is even unfair to ask Wall to take a back seat now. Because biologically speaking, Wall is still at the peak of his athletic career. And Wall has always wanted to prove to the league that he's still an NBA superstar.
Last season, when Porter Jr. and Wall played together, it became clear that Porter Jr.'s ball possession was affected, often without getting the ball and having to wait on the outside. Although Porter Jr. is very talented, he is not unanimously optimistic about the outside world. However, if the Rockets support Porter Jr. to grow into the team's future starting point guard, then they will have to abandon Wall. There are three possible ways:
First, choose Trade.
Wall, who earns $44.3 million on a contract this season, has player choice next season, and the Rockets will continue to pay him $47.4 million in 2022-2023 if player options are exercised. If the Rockets want to trade Wall, they may need to post the draft pick upside down to potentially send Wall out. The price is very high, is the Rockets worth the cost of helping Porter Jr.?
Second, opt for a buyout.
There are also buyout routes. Is Wall willing to give up a portion of his salary to follow Therk's example and reach a buyout deal with the Rockets? Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta was willing to accept a loss-making throw from Wall.
Third, choose to wait.
The last option would be for Wall to stay another season, waiting for next year's offseason to come, and his contract would become a contract that was about to expire, and then trade him at this time, and his contract would become very valuable. The Rockets don't have to deal with it anymore.
Which way do you think the Rockets will choose?