Houston Rockets guard John Wall has expressed hope to the organization that he can continue to play for the team for the foreseeable future, sources told ESPN.
Wall and Rockets have agreed to side him until a trade can be found, but the five-time All-Star guard spoke to Houston general manager Rafael Stone on Friday about restarting games. discussions about returning to the active lineup, sources said. The two sides are expected to resume talks on Sunday.
For Wall to play this season, there may need to be a compromise between respecting his stature with a super signing and the Rockets’ desire for him to play an additional role to help develop. develop their young core. That, along with other considerations, could be the key to finding a way for Wall to play for the Rockets in 2021-22.
With two years and $91 million left on his contract, the trade talks around Wall have not gone well this season and there is no inclination towards an outright buy to make him. became a free agent, sources said.
Wall, 31, came to Houston through a transaction with Washington that sent Russell Westbrook for the Wizards ahead of the 2020-2021 season. After missing the entire 2019-2020 season with an Achilles tear, Wall started 40 games for the Rockets and averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists. The Rockets and Wall agreed to shut him down at the end of the season, trying to protect his body and commercial value.
Rockets are counting on 2nd overall pick Jalen Green and defend the third year Kevin Porter Jr., to play foundational roles for the future. Before the season, the Rockets and Wall agreed that he would continue to train and stay fit with the team, but would not be an active player as the team looks for trading scenarios. Wall wants to play again and he has begun a conversation with the organization about whether they could be a return scenario that Wall and the team agree on.
The Rockets are leading 2-16 to start the season, but ended a 15-game losing streak with a win first Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
