A bombshell report dropped Tuesday evening of the Washington Wizards discussing a trade with the Houston Rockets involving John Wall and Russell Westbrook. The news sent shock waves throughout the NBA community and drew the ire of many Wizards fans.
Appearing on The Kevin Sheehan Show, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard confirmed the report but shot down the idea of Wall being traded for Westbrook.
“I think it’s fair to say we talk about every player on every team…I wouldn’t dwell on it,” Sheppard said, per Ava Wallace of the Washington Post. “I’m excited to have John Wall back, looking forward to having him in training camp.”
Sheppard stressed every team in the NBA is talking to each other about every player, adding “sometimes chatter gets over the walls, unfortunately.”
Wall hasn’t played in an NBA game since December 26, 2018 before he was shut down to address a heel injury. Following the initial surgery, Wall ruptured his Achilles a month later while at home. His recovery led to him also sitting out the entire 2019-20 season.
The five-time All-Star is expected to return at the start of 2020-21 season in December. Wall won’t be playing heavy minutes and will be restricted in any back-to-backs in the upcoming season.
The Wizards are looking forward to getting their cornerstone player to once again pair with Bradley Beal, who has emerged as a superstar in his own right during Wall’s absence, to rekindle their winning ways. However, those hopes hinge on Wall returning to his All-NBA form prior to his injury.
Meanwhile, Westbrook reportedly wants out of Houston after one season as he is concerned about the direction the Rockets are headed following the departures of former GM Daryl Morey and former head coach Mike D’Antoni this offseason.
As the Wizards appear to be shifting their focus to building around Beal, Wall, 30, is owed $132.9 million over the next three seasons, according to Spotrac. His contract may be difficult to move in a trade if the Wizards deemed necessary. One reprieve for the Wizards would be an even deal for Westbrook, who at age 32 is owed $132.6 million over the next three seasons.
However, according to Shams Charania’s report, the Rockets were seeking more assets in a trade. Mortgaging part of their future for an older, similarly skill and equally paid player may not be ideal for the Wizards.
