NBA Trades: 2 blockbuster Russell Westbrook for John Wall trades
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: 2 blockbuster Russell Westbrook for John Wall trades – Trade #1
Los Angeles Lakers receive: John Wall
Houston Rockets receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick
Mostly for financial reasons, this is the most logical trade that could occur between the Lakers and Rockets for their point guards. As previously mentioned, they make a near-identical amount, so a swap for the two straight up does work financially, but Houston wants draft capital attached.
LA is short on assets at the moment, but they could offer their first-rounder in 2027 in any deal. This could be a fitting proposal for both sides.
For the Lakers, it would sting to lose that first-round pick considering how depleted their stash of assets already is, but Wall could be an interesting player to acquire for it. Although he has been hit with the injury bug over the past few seasons, Wall showed last year that he could still perform at the NBA level.
In 40 games with Houston, he averaged 20.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He has not played this season, as Houston continues to prioritize their youth, but Wall could be an interesting third fiddle to place alongside James and Davis if they are determined to move on from Westbrook.
From Houston’s perspective, this is all about getting that draft pick, as they reportedly have little to no interest in keeping Westbrook in this scenario. As noted in a separate reporting from Stein (subscription required), it is expected that the Rockets would look to buy Westbrook out if they did trade for him, which would make sense for both parties.
With a promising young backcourt already on the roster in Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, the Rockets do not need a player like Westbrook to take touches away from them. A buyout would allow the former MVP to play elsewhere.
This is the likeliest deal for the two sides.