The Rockets and John Wall have mutually agreed to part ways and find a new home for the All-Star point guard (According to Shams Charania of The Athletic). The Rockets want to prioritize the growth of their young backcourt in Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green.
Wall is expected to join the rest of the Rockets in training camp and mentor the young roster in his future tenure there. Although Wall is not expected to play any games this upcoming season, the Rockets will constantly work with Wall to find the right destination for him to still compete at a high level. The Rockets are not looking to buy out Wall currently but that decision could change if the team can’t find a trade destination by the end of the 2021-2022 season. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, The Rockets do not want to attach a first-round pick to offload his contract but are willing to take on one or two “unwanted” contracts to get Wall to his preferred destination. Due to John Wall’s contract being one of the biggest in the NBA, “he is unlikely to be traded before the trade deadline barring an injury to a team that needs help at the guard spot” (Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle).
“The Rockets are “leaning into the future,” the source said, and want to help Wall land at a desirable spot while remaining open to acquiring players that can help them win now.”
Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle
This move by the Rockets solves an issue that was haunting NBA fans as they questioned if Wall’s presence in the guard-heavy roster would stunt Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr’s growth. The direction of this franchise is very clear now as they officially enter a rebuild/re-tool phase with the young stars they have acquired through the draft, free agency, and trades.
