NBA Rumors: Rockets Need To Push For Veteran Star Guard To Shed Off Dead Money

If there is one player noticeably missing this 2021-22 NBA season, it is John Wall.

Although he has been often known as a player who is left sidelined due to injuries, the 31-year-old is ready to play if needed.

But the only problem there is that this may only happen if a team is willing to pick him up and account for the remaining $91.6 million money left in his four-year $171 million deal.

Charles Barkley, who now serves as an "Inside the NBA" analyst joked about the Wall situation due to the fact that the former top pick is sitting at home while getting paid.

For those who may not know, Wall agreed not to suit up for the Rockets to avoid possible injury as they search for a potential trade partner.

But with $44 million this 2021-22 NBA season and possibly an additional $47.3 million in the next, if Wall picks up the player option, the chances are not looking too good.

Beyond the financial figures, there is also the valuation of Wall.

Having been through a lot of injuries the past seasons, critics feel that the 31-year-old is no longer among players expected to land another huge deal once his current one runs out.

However, that could change but only if he is on the court. But for as long as he is sitting out, his market value will likely dip as well.

A suggested recourse is for Wall to agree to a buyout. However, unnamed sources have already revealed that the option is not on the table for the Rockets, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.

Oozing with experience, Wall is at that point where he can mentor the young upstarts. Among them is Jalen Green who has credited the five-time NBA All-Star to helping him develop as a player.

“Yeah, that’s like my big bro. He gives me a bunch of advice. We’re always talking on the court. When we’re at the crib, we watch films and stuff together. We break stuff down and watch games,” Green said as quoted in the report of Salman Ali.