The Los Angeles Clippers dealt John Wall to the Houston Rockets forward of this season’s NBA Commerce Deadline.
Earlier within the 12 months there was a whole lot of optimism in regards to the form of match L.A. and Wall appeared to be on paper, however for no matter purpose, it by no means fairly labored as nicely in actuality.
Wall averaged 11.4 factors and 5.2 assists in 34 video games for the Clippers, however the stats by no means felt significantly significant. Therefore the workforce’s determination to go in a unique path.
Given Wall’s historical past with Houston, it’s clear that he isn’t lengthy for the Rockets. The query now could be simply the place he’ll go.
As not too long ago as final week the 32-year-old was linked to 5 separate groups. Since then the Chicago Bulls have added Patrick Beverley and Miami Warmth have signed Kevin Love. Whereas that latter transfer doesn’t essentially imply Pat Riley and Co. received’t additionally pursue Wall, he clearly isn’t a precedence both.
So who does that depart? It leaves the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks.
In keeping with NBA insider Evan Massey, the Bucks “are a workforce to observe for John Wall as soon as buyout is reached, barring one other transfer for a guard.” The match definitely is sensible. He could possibly be a extra offensively-capable, defensively-lacking Eric Gordon-type participant for them off the bench.
Clearly Gordon getting dealt away was a key a part of Milwaukee’s transition from a contender to a champion, however that’s as a result of he was requested to play too massive a task. Wall wouldn’t have that downside.
The Lakers additionally make a ton of sense. They want scoring firepower off the bench, and Wall brings that in droves. He isn’t essentially the most environment friendly scorer on this planet, however L.A. wouldn’t want him to be for the 15 or so minutes he would play per recreation.
Lastly, the Washington Wizards proceed to attend within the wings. Wall famously mentioned he wished to return to them sooner or later, and now makes as a lot sense as some other time.
“I’m nonetheless not saying goodbye,” Wall mentioned about D.C. after a Clippers-Wizards recreation this 12 months.
Charissa Thompson is having herself a correct NFL offseason. https://t.co/8JrSFiVV8c
— Sport 7 (@game7__) February 21, 2023
“You by no means know what the longer term might maintain. I’m not saying goodbye. It’s not closure for me… I’m gonna proceed to indicate my love and help for this metropolis and the folks that have at all times been for me, and that’s by no means gonna change.”
A technique or one other, with Russell Westbrook and Beverley off the board, a call from Wall is coming quickly.
The place will he finally end the 2023 NBA season out? Time will inform.
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