Rockets Likely To Have Major Issues Finding Taker For John Wall

John Wall and the Rockets are working together to find a trade, per Shams Charania of The Athletic, but how easy will it be?

Not very, most league insiders are saying. For starters, Wall is 31 years old and 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.

As far as we know, he did not demand a trade with the Rockets. But with the Rockets unable to keep a good thing going after the 2019-20 season, they clearly have moved into rebuild mode. 

Basically, it’s not a big surprise that Wall may no longer be a fit. He will sit as the Rockets seek a trade.

“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,” Charania wrote.

“The Rockets explained that the team does not want to jeopardize Wall’s fitness, and the sides agreed on the route that won’t complicate his ability to continue playing at a high level.”

High level? Yes. Worth the high salary? Not according to most opposing teams, and that is where the Rockets may have some issues.