Houston Rockets: 5 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season

Houston Rockets predictions: 3. A John Wall deal is hard to come by

With the recent news that a potential John Wall trade is desired by the franchise, it begs the question, can they pull it off? It would not be the first time they found themselves in a sticky situation with a highly-paid star (Russell Westbrook and James Harden), but they brought in Wall in one of those deals to match the salary he made. Ideally, the team wants to avoid having to do this again as they wish to free up their cap for the young squad they have put together, but it may not be possible.

The only team that has any available cap space is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now is that a team that should look to acquire a 32-year-old former All-NBA player? It would be hard to imagine considering they have set themselves up for a long rebuild but could happen if the Rockets include their draft capital. Outside of them though, there is not another team that has the cap to get Wall without throwing money back Houston’s way. Maybe the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers can facilitate a three-team deal with Houston so that Wall, Ben Simmons, and Kevin Love can all find new homes, but even that is a reach.

Due to make over $91 million in the next two years, it is going to take Houston parting ways with their assets to get Wall off their books. Another Al Horford in OKC situation could arise if the Rockets cannot find a way to move Wall. A buyout could be possible too, but that’s the last resort for Houston as they do not want to have any financial responsibility for Wall. Do not be surprised if a Wall trade does not happen for a while or until next season.