NBA Trade Rumors: LA Clippers and Miami Heat expected to make a move for 5x All-Star in buyout market
The LA Clippers and the Miami Heat have shown interest in acquiring 5xAll-Star John Wall in the buyout market, according to Marc Stein. Wall is close to having his contract with the Houston Rockets bought out.
There’s been ‘serious murmurs’ about John Wall successfully negotiating a buyout with the Rockets, per @TheSteinLine
“Interest in Wall from the Clippers and Heat, if he can finally make his way onto the open market, has been mentioned for months.”
(Via marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-free-age…) https://t.co/hMjsnt6vVf
The Rockets guard was sidelined for a year due to injury and missed another season due to personal reasons. Considering the Rockets are in a state of rebuild, having Wall on the roster is detrimental to the team and the player.
Should the LA Clippers or the Miami Heat succeed in signing Wall, their roster will be boosted significantly.
Could John Wall be a contributor on the LA Clippers or the Miami Heat?
While John Wall is likely to be the biggest name on the buyout market this offseason, pursuing him could be problematic for some teams.
Wall's performances during his time with the Washington Wizards proved that he is a bonafide star. However, the biggest question that has to be asked is can John Wall still dominate games?
Wall has played barely any games in the last few years, which could have a lasting impact on his skillset.
John Wall since signing a 4-year, $171M supermax:
• 2019-20 (0 games played, injury)
• 2020-21 (40 games played, injury)
• 2021-22 (0 games played)
Worst contract in NBA history? https://t.co/90dDPip3o9
During his first season with Houston, Wall played 40 games and averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists. Teams pursuing him in the buyout market will hope he can stay fit and replicate those numbers in the 2022-23 season.
Given his explosiveness and playmaking ability, the 31-year-old could be a solid contributor to any contending team. In that context, the Clippers may be a bit more aggressive in their pursuit of Wall. They are short on options at point guard and Wall could be a vital piece in their overall scheme.