John Wall recently revisited a chain of events that led to his trade from the Washington Wizards to the Houston Rockets in 2020. Wall opened up on the “Tidal League” podcast about the trade that sent him to the Rockets for Russell Westbrook after ten seasons with the Wizards.
Wall revealed he learned the trade was in the works from Westbrook when the 2017 NBA MVP sent him a DM asking for his number.
“He texted me, ‘D.C. trying to get me, but they’re saying you ain’t wanna leave,” Wall said.
Wall stressed the Wizards were his franchise. He had zero intentions of leaving. The Wizards drafted him first overall in 2010.
The trade came about shortly after a video showed Wall throwing up gang signs during a birthday gathering in New York.
Wall said he was in his room with his friends and some others and wasn’t aware of anyone recording the gathering. He apologized to the Wizards owner Ted Leonsis and the team’s front office. Wall understood Leonsis wasn’t happy with the video.
After texting Westbrook, Wall called his agent, Rich Paul. Then he later spoke with backcourt mate Bradley Beal. But when Wall asked Beal if he was ready to play at least one season together, Beal’s cold response foretold Wall’s future with the team.
“We talking… I’m like, ‘What we going to do? We’re gonna run it back one more year?’ Once [Beal] said, “I’m gonna think about it’ I knew I was traded,” Wall said.
Wall trained in Miami and Los Angeles before arriving in Washington two weeks before the start of training camp. Once at the Wizards’ practice facility, Wall expressed he did not want to wear a Wizards uniform for the final time during Media Day.
Wall claimed management called his agent and said he was disgruntled.
With the tension in the air, Wall said he chose to work out at another facility. That is when Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard visited to watch his workout. Wall refuted Sheppard’s claims that Wall, Beal, and Sheppard together had a conversation.
Wall learned of the official trade sitting at home. He received a text from Sheppard, “PLEASE CALL” in all capital letters. He understood he got traded. After speaking with Sheppard, Wall immediately saw the ESPN ticker announcing the trade.
For Wizards fans, it was an emotional moment. Many were upset about the trade. Wall had missed the previous season due to a rupture Achilles. His rehab brought the anticipation for his return until he got traded.
On the other hand, there was excitement for receiving Westbrook in exchange for a player who was coming off a significant injury. Wall had been the cornerstone of the Wizards for a decade. However, injuries slowed him. A lot of uncertainty surrounded his ability to return to the player he was before getting injured.
Russell Westbrook brought a lot of media attention. But after one season and a host of triple-double records, Westbrook requested to be traded to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers following the 2020-21 season.
John Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists in 40 games with the Rockets. He then sat out the 2021-22 season as the Rockets moved in a different direction. Houston bought out his contract before this season, allowing him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
In December, Wall got an opportunity to play in front of Wizards fans for the first time since being traded. After scoring a bucket, Wall emphatically yelled, “This is still my city,” as Washington fans erupted in Capital One Arena.
Wall said that moment brought chills to him. The fans’ reaction made him forget that he was playing for the Clippers.
Wall said that moment brought chills to him. The fans’ reaction made him forget that he was playing for the Clippers.
