Does this trade make sense for Houston Rockets?

Getting a solid return for John Wall will be tough to do at this point for the Rockets, especially given that Wall’s contract may be the most unfavorable contract in the entire league.

The Rockets would have to trade away two first-round picks, which is something a rebuilding franchise normally would not do, but at the same time, Houston would add Theo Maledon, who was drafted 34th overall last year, and put together a solid rookie season. 

In 65 games with the Thunder last season, Theo Maledon averaged 10.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and shot 36.8% from the floor. His numbers will not blow you away, but Maledon has a lot of potential to grow into a very versatile guard in this league, especially after playing really well in Las Vegas Summer League. 

With John Wall on his way out and D.J. Augustin likely to be another veteran guard the Rockets will look to trade during the 2021-22 season, Houston will need another guard next to Kevin Porter Jr. in their backcourt, which is why bringing in Theo Maledon would be a smart move. 

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Christian Wood, Daniel Theis, and rookie Alperen Sengun make up the Rockets’ potential depth at the center position, which is why a guy like Derrick Favors could also fit in.

Maybe the Rockets look to flip Favors for a draft pick near the trade deadline, but if they hold onto him throughout the 2021-22 season, he is a big body in the paint that can aid them in rebounding on both ends of the floor. 

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At this point, the Rockets should be willing to do any deal that involves them dumping John Wall’s salary. In this trade with the Thunder, they get two players that can help them this season, and Houston would be getting out of paying Wall nearly $100M the next two seasons, which is a big win for this franchise.