The Houston Rockets and John Wall decided to go their separate ways this past week. While the organization is refusing to buy its 31-year-old guard out, it has agreed to help facilitate a trade to the best of its abilities.
This divorce is a win-win. Wall has his reasons for wanting to move; the Rockets have theirs. A split is mutually beneficial.
Wall is due $91.7 million over the next two seasons, including a player option for $47.4 million in 2022-23. Beyond that, he has also been limited to 113 outings over the last four seasons due to a lot of really bad health issues. Not exactly the sort of track record you want to pay a small fortune to.
Wall is set to be the third highest-paid player in the NBA next year behind Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets.
According to NBA insider Chris Broussard, there is only one truly viable option for Wall’s services: the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I think there is one team, and one team only, that is a good fit for John Wall. It’s the L.A. Clippers.” — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/GUuBUt0tfq
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 15, 2021
“I think there is one team, and one team only, that is a good fit for John Wall. It’s the L.A. Clippers,” he said.
Broussard’s sentiments notwithstanding, the Clippers are actually one of three teams that are said to be in the running for Wall’s services. Whether they are the favorites or not remains to be seen.
Dak Prescott stays winning. https://t.co/WN2voiN8k7
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 11, 2021
Wall averaged 20.6 points last season on 40/32/75 shooting splits. Houston won 17 games with him. Clearly he no longer has what it takes to carry a squad. That said – he also obviously has enough in the tank at this point in his career to be a meaningful contribute somewhere.
Related: What Clippers Truly Think of Lakers Adding Russell Westbrook
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.
