NBA Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook To Washington Wizards Now Being Discussed

KEY POINTS

Westbrook is unlikely to be the top guy if he moves to Wizards
Rockets will look into John Wall's health if trade gains ground
Westbrook is having a hard time finding a new home due to his contract

Russell Westbrook continues to search for a new home, but most teams are wary of his trade value.

Regardless, organizations like the Washington Wizards are exploring options. One player who could be dangled in the mix is John Wall.

The Wizards have allegedly discussed a possible deal involving Westbrook and Wall according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Nothing has gone beyond that with Houston wanting more assets for a potential trade.

That concern is understandable. Houston is aware that Wall has not been active since the 2018-19 season. The five-time NBA All-Star underwent season-ending surgery to address his left heel, and questions are in the air on how well he can recover and return to action.

The Rockets and Wizards have discussed a deal centered on Russell Westbrook for John Wall, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. No traction yet, Rockets are seeking more assets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2020

Wall’s recovery also suffered a setback when he developed an infection in the incision from that surgery. To make things worse, he suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon after that after he slipped and fell at home, NBA.com reported.

Wall did not play last season and is expected to make a full recovery from his Achilles injury according to Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard last March in an update shared on Reddit.

It remains to be seen if Wall can be as effective as before once he is given the green light to play ball.

With all these in consideration, Houston is understandably being cautious on whether to strike the deal or not. Meanwhile, Westbrook is bent on leaving and the Rockets want the best possible deal in return.

Houston is on the brink of collapse with Westbrook and James Harden likely playing for new squads next season.

Harden rejected a $103 million-worth offer and has been heavily linked to a move to the Brooklyn Nets.

On the other hand, Westbrook has been linked to a possible move to the New York Knicks or the Charlotte Hornets.

He is owed roughly $132 million in the next three years and these are figures that could easily eat into any team’s salary budget.

A move to the Wizards has yet to gain any traction unless Washington sweetens the pot.

They are one of the few teams who have explored deals for Westbrook although Wall may not be enough to convince the Rockets to agree to a trade.