Heading into the new NBA season both the Houston Rockets and John Wall seemingly agreed that it was time for them to go their separate ways.
Houston tried desperately to move Wall – to no avail.
Wall eventually got frustrated with the process and tried to issue some demands to the Rockets’ front office. They were promptly ignored.
A stalemate ensued.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, at the moment there is one primary obstacle blocking the Rockets from trading Wall away – his massive contract.
“Teams are expressing interest in Rockets guard John Wall should he become free on the market, sources say, but a trade or buyout remains unlikely.
“Wall has a whopping $91.7 million remaining on his contract through next season. He is currently not playing for Houston after the sides discussed in late November about him potentially playing.”
On one hand, Wall comes with a lot of baggage. The gang stuff is a weird and unnecessary distraction, but it would be more forgivable if he were still the same player he was in 2016. He’s not, though.
Wall is an athletically limited, speed-based player who has lost a step and is injury prone. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a potent offensive weapon. There’s a reason three teams are reportedly interested in him. But he no longer justifies his massive salary, his risky injury history, or the distractions that often accompany him.
Now that’s how you support your superstar boyfriend. https://t.co/wrrdJB7TMH
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 9, 2022
The nasty way Wall’s relationship with the Washington Wizards ended also left a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouths.
One way or another, it’s unlikely that Wall has played his final game in the NBA. But based on everything we’ve seen thus far, it’s unlikely that he will return to action any time soon.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
