When things were going wrong for the Lakers earlier in the season, there were reports that they considered moving on from Russell Westbrook as early as the trade deadline, with the fit just looking like it hadn’t worked out. Westbrook has a huge salary though, and a move was difficult to execute, but one of the most widely spoken about possibilities at the time was a trade with the Rockets involving John Wall.
There is arguably no contract in the NBA harder to move than John Wall, but the Lakers’ situation was so desperate that the Rockets reportedly asked them to include a 1st round pick for taking on Westbrook, which is what killed the deal. However, with the offseason upon us already, it seems that the move may not be entirely dead in the water.
And according to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers and Rockets could look to make something happen over the summer if a deal can be worked out.
“Lakers and Rockets will look to revisit a Russ for John Wall swap this summer.”
The Rockets are rebuilding and they will have a high pick again this season. Getting Westbrook back after they traded him to the Washington Wizards for Wall in 2020, the aim will likely be to buy him out and create some cap space to play around with as they look to quickly put a contending team together.
Whether Russ wants to be bought out or not is another question entirely, and surely and trade will hinge upon how he sees his future unfolding as well. One thing is clear, there is no concrete idea of where Russell Westbrook will be playing by the time next season starts, but wherever it is, he’ll have a lot to prove after a disappointing campaign with the Lakers.
