The Houston Rockets and John wall agreed to work together in an attempt to find a commercial destination for the veteran point guard, as the franchise is committed to moving forward with Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen green as his initial backline, sources told ESPN.
The commitment to Porter, 20, and Green, 18, leaves Wall, a five-time All-Star who was traded to Houston in the deal Russell westbrook last year, without a title role. Wall, 31, is not expected to play for Houston, as the team’s management and Wall mutually decided that a bench role for him would not be beneficial to either side, the sources said.
Wall must earn $ 91.7 million over the next two seasons, including a player option for $ 47.4 million in 2022-23, a contract that makes trying to trade him extremely difficult. Sources said the Rockets do not want to forfeit first-round draft compensation in a trade for Wall and would have no interest in discussing a buy until possibly after free agency next summer.
Wall has been limited to 113 games in the past four seasons due to a series of major injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon that left him out for the entire 2019-20 season, last year with the Washington Wizards. Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists in 40 games for the Rockets last season.
Wall, a former No. 1 overall pick, is expected to participate in training camp and be close to the team while remaining on the Rockets’ roster, sources said. Houston management is optimistic that Wall’s wisdom and leadership may benefit Porter and Green in particular, who join the center. Christian wood, 25, as cornerstones of the Rockets’ rebuilding.
Sources said Wall’s relationship with Rockets ownership and management remains strong, as they have been in frequent communication during the offseason. High-ranking Rockets sources expressed deep appreciation for Wall’s leadership during a tumultuous campaign last season, when the demand for trade James harden thrust Houston into rebuilding mode and a series of injuries contributed to the Rockets finishing with the worst record in the NBA.
“He’s been a rock for us,” said a Rockets source. “He’s been great since he got here.”
Rockets sources emphasized that the franchise makes it a priority to try to “do the right thing” by veterans looking to play in more competitive situations, citing the exchange of Harden and the forward. PJ Tucker by contenders last season as prime examples.
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