Since the 2021 trade deadline, a swap of John Wall for Russell Westbrook has been rumored. The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a trade then, and don’t seem any closer to making a deal now.
The Rockets have insisted that any Wall for Westbrook trade would have to include draft pick compensation going from Los Angeles to Houston. The Lakers, who are light on tradable draft picks, have resisted giving up picks to dump Westbrook.
If the Rockets are unable to find a trade for Wall, it’s expected both sides will entertain a buyout of the $47-plus million he’s owed for the 2022-23 season. Wall was unwilling to give up considerable money with two years left on his deal, but after sitting out a season, it’s likely he’ll engage in buyout discussions before next season.
