Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G John Wall
Houston Rockets Receive: G Eric Bledsoe, F/C Serge Ibaka, G Luke Kennard
Pairing John Wall with Paul George in Los Angeles is definitely something that sounds like it could work, but again, how much of a risk are the Clippers willing to take? This team is currently $31M over the tax line for the 2021-22 season already and by taking in Wall’s $44M contract, they would have to pay even more in taxes just to have the team they do!
This is definitely a risky deal for the Clippers, but they are one of a few teams in the league who actually have the ability to free upwards of $40M in cap space to have a chance at pursuing John Wall via trade.
In 40 games last season with the Rockets, Wall actually played surprisingly well after not playing since the 2018-19 season. With Houston last year, John Wall averaged 20.6 points, 3.2 rebound, 6.9 assists, 1.1 steals and shot 40.4% from the floor.
If he was to go to the Clippers, there are questions about how he would fit in next to Reggie Jackson in the backcourt, but if Wall is willing to take on a “sixth-man” type role with Los Angeles, this could actually be a move that helps make the Clippers a better championship contender in the Western Conference.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Should Continue To Monitor John Wall’s Availability
When looking at the assets the Clippers would have to give up to acquire him, the only player they would give up who holds some value right now is Luke Kennard.
The young sharpshooter is shooting 45.7% from three-point range on the season and has been a key bench talent for this team, so they may not want to get rid of him in a deal for an older point guard on a very expensive contract.
As for Serge Ibaka and Eric Bledsoe, they are both older players as well who really have not had much of an impact for the Clippers this year. Ibaka has only played in 11 games due to a back injury and Bledsoe is only averaging 9.5 points per game, his lowest since the 2012-13 season.
Assuming the Rockets are still interested in trading John Wall, they really are not in the driver’s seat for dictating the terms of the deal, as they should just be happy to get out of said contract. Serge Ibaka is in the final year of his contract and Eric Bledsoe has one year left on his deal after this season, so they would probably be happy with settling these contracts.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Should Continue To Monitor John Wall’s Availability
In regards to Luke Kennard, he is a young wing that Houston could look to utilize moving forward, especially since they do not have many three-point shooting threats on their team and Kennard is only 25-years-old.
Trading John Wall is something that is a long-shot for the Rockets at this point since his contract is so high, so if there is an opportunity to move him, they need to be willing to pounce on a deal.
