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NBA Rumors: 4 teams that could steal John Wall from LA Clippers

By Jake Weinbach

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 17: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 17: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors, John Wall, LA Clippers
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 23: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets dribbles against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas, NBA Rumors: 4 teams that could steal John Wall from LA Clippers. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, All-Star guard John Wall has secured a buyout with the Houston Rockets and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. A breakup was gaining momentum this week with free agency looming right around the corner on June 30, and now Wall will have the freedom to choose where he’ll play next.

John Wall did not play for Houston last season as the franchise continues to prioritize rebuilding the roster toward the long-term future, but there’s expected to be heavy interest in Wall among title-contending teams entering free agency.

Before the 31-year-old floor general sat out the 2021-22 NBA season, Wall averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 40 games with the Rockets during the previous season.

He’s still an elite, talented point guard that can help a team chase an NBA championship. Despite teams not being able to discuss deals with pending free agents yet, there seems to already be a favorite for John Wall’s services.

With the Houston Rockets expected to reach a buyout with John Wall, we look at four teams that can pry the All-Star guard away from the LA Clippers.

Moments after Haynes reported the buyout, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that John Wall was planning to sign with the LA Clippers in free agency upon clearing waivers. It would be a tremendous addition for the Clippers, who are expected to be fully healthy with star power and a complementary supporting cast that should have an appetite for a title heading into next season.

After missing the NBA Playoffs this past year, the Clippers should be dangerous moving forward with superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George recovered. As they seek the ultimate goal, John Wall could be the last piece to the puzzle.

Adding Wall to a squad of Leonard, George, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, and Nicolas Batum if re-signed would certainly form a championship-worthy team. In addition, Wall would earn a desirable role as the starting point guard on a contender alongside two other proven stars.

Reggie Jackson has had his moments, but his inefficiency isn’t good enough for the Clippers to be satisfied at the point guard position. Bringing in Wall, a much more explosive and better overall option, would be a massive addition to their golden aspirations next season and beyond.

Given the ideal fit and opportunity to play in Southern California with a star-studded team, it’s no shock that Wall would prefer the LA Clippers. However, nothing can be finalized until Thursday evening while other teams will surely attempt to persuade him in a different direction.

While John Wall currently intends to sign with the Clippers, other teams will still call to pursue him in free agency, per Wojnarowski. With that being said, let’s identify four teams that could steal Wall from the LA Clippers this offseason.

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