Rockets’ John Wall Drawing Interest, With Perhaps Some From Clippers

Several teams have expressed interest in available Rockets point guard John Wall with the Feb. 10 trade deadline looming, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Wall has been sitting out the season as he and the Rockets agreed to find a trade. He recently has been linked to the Lakers and ex-Rockets guard Russell Westbrook, though a source told Hoops Wire such a deal is unlikely (full post).

Meanwhile, Iko mentioned the Clippers as a team that may have Wall on their radar. That follows earlier similar reports. It’s hard to know for sure, though.

As RealGM relayed, the Clippers “expressed genuine interest in Wall earlier in the season, but there is some confusion as to their objectives heading into the deadline period.”

Wall, 31, appeared in 40 games last season, his first 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.

But the Rockets have really struggled to find a trade partner, given that he is owed more than $44 million this season and has a player option for $47 million next. Throw in the fact he may not be in game shape … and it’s hard to know how soon he might be able to actually help another team.

“He is diligent as far as his work,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas said back in early December. “He’s been positive and all that stuff. But as far as getting in game shape, our guys have had training camp and they’ve been practicing and they had games. He hasn’t had any of that. Right now, it’s about getting him to that point.”

So far, the Lakers, Clippers and 76ers have been the only teams that have been mentioned when it comes to public Wall rumblings.