Clippers, Heat, Pistons Interested In Rockets’ John Wall

The Clippers, Heat and Pistons all have an interest in available Rockets point guard John Wall, with the Clippers already trying to negotiate a deal, according to James Foglio of Basketball Insiders.

However, as multiple reports suggest, Wall’s large contract is complicating matters. Per Hoops Wire sources, no deal involving Wall is close, and most seem to think one won’t be for some time.

“I think trading John Wall, with two years left and over $90 million is almost impossible unless the Rockets, all of a sudden decide that they’re willing to attach a number of first round picks and I don’t see that scenario,” NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on ESPN. “I think he’s going to be in Houston a while unless he’s willing to take money and agree to a buyout, but he doesn’t want to do that right now.”

Faglio reported something similar, writing that “one of the biggest roadblocks preventing Rockets general manager Rafael Stone from shopping Wall is his outrageous contract. Furthermore, there are no buyout plans for the veteran.”

The Rockets and Wall have decided to work together in finding a trade, with Wall sitting out until they do. 

Wall, 31, is due $91.7 million over the next two seasons. While he has always been a pro’s pro and class act, that’s massive money for a point guard who isn’t quite considered among the big-money players anymore.

“Overall, he’s probably between 20th and 35th in the point guard hierarchy right now — a starter in a pinch, especially on a team like the Rockets, but more likely a plus backup on a good team,” wrote The Athletic’s John Hollinger, a former member of the Grizzlies’ basketball staff.

Other insiders think it will take two or more rival teams to make a Wall deal work. The Rockets aren’t believed to be seeking some big return. It seems like they would just prefer to get out from under his contract without killing their cap.

For instance, a Wall-for-Kevin Love swap would work, but the Cavs would likely have no room or interest in Wall. (Besides, the Rockets would be much more interested in Cavs point guard Ricky Rubio and his expiring deal.)

So finding a deal won’t be anything close to easy for Houston. It may not even be possible.

Wall appeared in 40 games last season, his first with the Rockets following the Russell Westbrook trade with the Wizards. He averaged averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists, and again, was a leader and a true professional in a losing situation.

“In a meeting between Wall and the Rockets recently, Houston officials explained to Wall the direction of the franchise and that the team wants to protect the veteran guard’s health,” wrote Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Clippers, Heat and Pistons all have matching salaries, but again, it’s more complicated than that. Any team that expresses a willingness to take on Wall’s deal will likely also want draft picks from the Rockets.