John Wall sat out for the entirety of the 2021-22 season as the Houston Rockets explored possible trade options for the veteran point guard. But as the the season went on, it became clear that a trade deal would not come.
As the Rockets head into their 2022 offseason, that fact remains.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Houston organization will revisit the possibility of a contract buyout if they’re unable to find a trade partner this offseason. If Wall’s contract is bought out, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent.
Fischer named the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat as possible landing spot for Wall in free agency.
“If the Rockets are unable to find a trade for Wall before the June 23 NBA draft, all signs now point to Houston and Wall’s representation revisiting buyout talks prior to free agency in July. In that event, Wall would become an unrestricted free agent, and the Clippers, along with the Miami Heat, have been mentioned by league sources as strong potential landing spots for him,” he wrote.
The NBA world took to Twitter to react to this news.
“I 100% believe he still has it,” one fan wrote.
“Fit wise I like the clippers. But I want him to show everyone he still got it in a heat uniform,” another added.
John wall on the clippers is a team no one would want to face. https://t.co/p0XZaBRRgd
— DefinitelyNotFunDipp (@Sincerly_Jahz) April 21, 2022
MIAMI FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE https://t.co/kp5UHMlYgn
— Pillsbury Throwboy (@HanxLolo) April 21, 2022
It’s now been almost a full year since Wall took the NBA court. In his first and only active season with the Rockets, the five-time All Star averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game.
Wall, 33, is expected to pick up his $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season.