John Wall could be on the move this offseason. And, although the regular season is a little over a month away, there is still a chance fans will see him in a new uniform.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Houston Rockets guard John Wall is working with the Rockets to find an ideal trade.
Wall joined the Rockets last season, and despite a solid season, he and the Rockets are headed in different directions. Houston is rebuilding, where Wall is a veteran point guard likely looking to join a contender. So, a trade makes sense for both parties.
With a trade likely on the horizon, here are three teams that could trade for John Wall.
1.) Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers had a solid 2020-21 season. They were first in the Eastern Conference, and center Joel Embiid had an MVP caliber season. Then, they ran into the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks were a surprise in the playoffs, and before they reached the Eastern Conference finals, they beat the Sixers in a seven-game series.
After the series ended, Sixers guard/forward Ben Simmons was a topic of discussion. Fans found his playoff performance underwhelming, and there are reports that Simmons stopped speaking with the Sixers organization.
Reports also mentioned that Simmons had no plans of attending training camp.
A trade would benefit both Simmons and the Sixers, and this is where Wall comes in.
Wall and Simmons are the same position, and their salaries are close, so a trade could work. But there are some hiccups.
The Rockets had a chance to acquire Simmons while James Harden. Of course, Harden went to the Nets.
Now, the Rockets have a chance to acquire Simmons (who’s only 25 years old) by shipping their veteran guard in Wall. Simmons is young enough to fit into their rebuild, and Wall joins a contender. So, it’s a win-win.
Now is the best time for the Rockets and Sixers to do a deal, and even if it requires a third team, both guards get a (much needed) change of scenery.
2.) New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are a young, talented team trying to find themselves. They were 11th in the West last season and improved their record by one win (from 2019-20).
The Pelicans have pieces like forward Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram that give New Orleans something to build around. But they could use some help at the point guard position.
Earlier this offseason, the Pelicans lost their starting point guard Lonzo Ball. Ball signed a deal with the Chicago Bulls. The Pelicans acquired Garrett Temple (also via sign-and-trade) Tomas Satoransky, a 2024 second-round Draft pick and cash considerations in exchange through sign-and-trade.
Ball is 23-years-old and fit the Pelicans rebuild, but he moved on to another rebuilding team. Ball is a facilitator and defender who’s also improved his shooting. He was a young piece of their core, but as his move to Chicago shows, Ball had other plans.
The Pelicans did sign guard Devonte’ Graham, who averaged a career-best 18.2 points and 7.5 assists in 2019-20. Then, Graham averaged 14.8 points and 5.4 assists the following season.
Graham can take on the point guard role, but he isn’t the facilitator Wall is.
Wall is a name, and despite injuries, he can still produce. If the Pelicans can maneuver his contract, they gain a piece to keep Williamson around. At least for a little bit longer.
3.) Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a contending team looking to get over the hump. They have great regular seasons but fail to reach the Finals.
The Clippers have a strong duo in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard but can use another piece to take them to the next level. That’s where Wall comes in.
The Clippers have a stacked backcourt with Reggie Jackson, Eric Bledsoe, and Luke Kennard. But Wall is an instant upgrade. Wall gives them a second option (third when Leonard returns) and gives them a chance to compete with the Lakers. So, it works.
Wall is a talented player, and if he lands with the right team, he’ll be a valuable contributor; only time will tell where he lands.