Before the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season John Wall and the Houston Rockets seemed to be on the same page.
Wall wanted to go elsewhere, some place where his veteran leadership and offensive prowess would be put to better use.
Houston wanted to give its young guys a chance to play more, signaling that the only real place for Wall on the roster was coming off the bench.
It seemed like both parties agreed that a trade was necessary.
Fast forward to the last day of the regular season, and Wall remains a member of the Rockets.
Now what?
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Rockets have now developed a new plan forward involving Wall.
“As expected, John Wall is going to exercise his $47.4 million player option for next season, I’m told. After that, the Rockets will have time to look for a trade to move Wall,” Scotto wrote.
“If Houston can’t find a trade partner for Wall, his representation at Klutch Sports is expected to work with the Rockets on a buyout agreement before next season.”
Last year, Wall averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 40.4 percent from the field. To the right team, he could be a valuable contributor. The Rockets just don’t happen to be that team.
Wall personally expressed an interest in playing for one particular squad this season. Unfortunately, that trade was ultimately rejected.
Two teams in particular have shown an interest in adding Wall, but only if he is bought out.
Paulina Gretzky just stole the show at the Masters. https://t.co/SA9gAXW2HC
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 8, 2022
This is a story to watch. It is increasingly feeling like a trade for the 31-year-old isn’t in the cards.
Where will he be playing come this time next year? Time will tell.
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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.
