John Wall didn’t play for the Houston Rockets in the 2021-22 season, with the rebuilding club choosing to evaluate 21-year-old Kevin Porter Jr. its starter at point guard. Though Wall, a five-time All-Star, would clearly like to play, he’s been understanding of the team’s approach, thus far.
That may not be his mindset heading into next season, though.
In the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast, NBA insider Michael Scotto explains what he’s hearing on Wall, who is set to enter the final year of his existing contract with the Rockets. Scotto’s report:
As expected, John Wall is going to exercise his $47.4 million player option for next season, I’m told. After that, the Rockets will have time to look for a trade to move Wall. If Houston can’t find a trade partner for Wall, his representation at Klutch Sports is expected to work with the Rockets on a buyout agreement before next season. A potential buyout agreement would allow Wall to take advantage of the (free agent) market. Wall turns 32 in September. He’s healthy. I’ve heard he’d like to be on a winning team and have a role.
The complete episode can be listened to below, and it’s worth noting that Wall “liked” the podcast’s summary tweet by Scotto.
Rockets PG John Wall will exercise his $47.4 million player option, as expected. More on Wall being traded or bought out, futures of Eric Gordon and Christian Wood, and extension chances for Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr with @BenDuBose on @hoopshype. https://t.co/x0mkIrF4ax
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 7, 2022
In short, it seems that Wall was understanding of the financial difficulty of a buyout when he had two seasons and approximately $92 million left on his contract. That’s an unprecedented total figure for a team to buy out and effectively pay the player to play for a different club.
But there is plenty of precedent for players on expiring contracts — even large ones — with rebuilding teams to get bought out.
General manager Rafael Stone will attempt to work out a trade, first, since extracting some value for Wall is certainly better for the Rockets than seeing him leave for no compensation. However, should that again not materialize, it sounds as if Wall and his agency representation will take a far more active role during 2022-23 in pursuing a buyout.
