John Wall, Rockets Agree To Contract Buyout

It was widely expected, and now it’s becoming reality.

Per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets and John Wall have agreed to a contract buyout, a move that will make Wall an unrestricted free agent.

Wall has already been linked to the Clippers, Lakers and Heat, and could sign with a team that he feels gives him the best chance to contend. He is represented by agent Rich Paul.

As we relayed earlier via Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Clippers are expected to make a “strong pitch” to land Wall. The presence of coach Tyronn Lue could prove to be beneficial in such a move, Stein added.

Of course, the Clippers aren’t the only team that would have a strong interest in Wall in the event of a Rockets buyout — which is starting to seem highly likely. The Lakers and Heat would also probably make a run at him, as we relayed here.

Wall actually had already been linked to the Lakers, via a potential Russell Westbrook trade. While the Lakers didn’t want to attach draft capital to a Westbrook-Wall swap, they “would consider Wall as a candidate for the roster if he is suddenly available via the buyout market,” Stein wrote.

Wall did not play last season as the Rockets sought a trade.

He last appeared in 40 games in 2020-21, his first season with the Rockets, averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists. Along the way, he proved to be a leader and a true professional in a losing situation.

He did not play the year before that after suffering a left heel/Achilles infection. In all, he has played just 72 games over the previous five seasons.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall spent the first nine years of his career with the Wizards.

Hoops Wire will have more on what’s next for Wall as the story develops. Until then, you can check out our Rockets page right here for all the latest.