KEY POINTS

  • John Wall opting in may be the first step towards the guard’s return to NBA action
  • Wall and the Rockets are likely headed to a buyout
  • Three NBA teams could take interest in Wall

ohn Wall unsurprisingly picked up the player option in his contract worth $47.4 million with the Houston Rockets.

Regardless, this could be one of several moves ahead.

It is no secret that the 31-year-old is looking for a new home, and opting in could be part of some other deal.

But until that happens, Houston will have the five-time All-Star in the books–at least until July.

At that point, anything can happen. This includes a possible trade if any NBA team is willing to take in the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk champion.

So far, only the Miami Heat have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the veteran guard.

Wall’s decision was forwarded to the Rockets management by player-agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.

However, the scribe added that the two sides are most likely to work and try to find a win-win solution.

Among the options on the table for Wall and the Rockets may be a buyout. Hence, the Heat are likely to monitor this development by way of a cost-friendly solution.

Miami has been known to give chances to players whose NBA careers have gone astray. Some have rehabbed their career there and eventually bounced back to the right path.

Other than the Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers could be another team to look out for.

Moving there would make sense for Wall considering they need a reliable point guard to help facilitate their plays.

Aside from the Heat and Clippers, it remains to be seen which of the other NBA teams would join the fray.

The scenario could change should the Rockets and Wall agree to a buyout at some point.

Another team who could enter the mix would be the Los Angeles Lakers.

Recall that there was an alleged deal involving the Lakers and Rockets. Much of this was discussed in a previous post.

However, Los Angeles shelved the idea with the Rockets reportedly asking the Lakers to include a first-round pick in the deal.

The landscape will definitely change once the current contract Wall is addressed by the Rockets.

John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets
John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets Getty Images | Carmen Mandato