The Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets have discussed a blockbuster trade centered around Russell Westbrook for John Wall, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. There is no traction yet, as the Rockets are seeking more assets.
Wall, 30, hasn’t played in an NBA game since December 2018 due to a ruptured Achilles. However he is expected to be ready for the start of next season in December.
Westbrook, 32, averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 57 games last season. He was paired with Rockets cornerstone player James Harden in a trade after spending 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However after one season Westbrook reportedly wants out of Houston following concerns of the direction of the team. The Rockets parted ways with former head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey.
Wall has been the Wizards franchise player since being drafted first overall in 2010. He became a five-time All-Star, leading the Wizards to four playoff appearances matched with backcourt mate Bradley Beal. Their combination peaked in the 2016-17 when Wall averaged career highs of 23.1 points and 10.7 assists, as Washington came within one win of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Unfortunately, Wall has been hobbled with various injuries since that season ultimately suffering a ruptured Achilles in 2018.
This season, Wall will be entering the second year of a four-year, $171 million max deal that pays him an average of $42.8 million per year. Westbrook is in the third year of a five-year, $206.7 million max deal that pays him roughly $41.3 million per year.
