John Wall Talking With Rockets About Return To Lineup

November 27, 2021

Veteran point guard John Wall has a desire to return to playing for the Rockets and is discussing the possibility with the team, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Wall has been sitting out since the start of the season as the Rockets explored the possibility of a trade. So far, though, Houston has had no takers.

Wall and Rockets general manager Rafael Stone started talking about Wall returning to game action on Friday, Wojnarowski reported.

Wall, 31, is due $91.7 million over the next two seasons. He had been linked to the Clippers, Heat, Pistons and 76ers, among others, before the season. But those seemingly were mere rumors. He said he has no preference or “wish list” when it comes to his next destination.

“My job is to be here with this team, stay healthy and see what the future holds,” Wall told reporters back in late September.

But again, finding a deal has been difficult, given his contract situation.

“Any team that would potentially trade for him would want him to decline that option,” Wojnarowski said during a recent ESPN appearance. “Well, he’s not doing that, he’s not giving that money back.”

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, proving to be a leader and a true professional in a losing situation.

“It appears a buyout is the only way for Wall to join another team, but the amount of money he would have to give up may be too high for that to be realistic,” wrote Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors.

With all that in mind, it seems as if the Rockets are his best option to get back on the court this season.

“The Rockets are counting on No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green and third-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. to play cornerstone roles for the future,” Wojnarowski wrote. “Before the season, the Rockets and Wall agreed that he would continue practicing and working out with the team, but wouldn’t be an active player as Houston sought trade scenarios.”