John Wall and Russell Westbrook were traded for each other on Wednesday night.
The two are both on unfavorable contracts, making such a deal actually quite even for both the Rockets and Wizards. Westbrook still has plenty left in the tank, while Wall is coming off season-ending surgery. When healthy, however, Wall is one of the quickest end-to-end point guards in the NBA, with the ability to create his own offense at will. Throw in a first-round pick, and Houston’s gamble might pay off.
Nonetheless, both are signed to max contracts that make them undesirable trade targets. The solution was to deal them for one another, which the Wizards and Rockets pulled off after many weeks of deliberating once Westbrook demanded out of Houston.
In response to such an impactful, yet hilariously bad financial investment by both sides, NBA Twitter had some jokes.
NBA fans made fun of both Wall and Westbrook after the trade
Jokes aside, Wall in Houston should be fun to watch. Not only does he reunite with Boogie Cousins, but he symbolizes the Rockets last-ditch effort to keep James Harden on their payroll. Harden previously expressed a desire to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
Westbrook, meanwhile, will lead the point on an improved Wizards side, next to Bradley Beal in the backcourt. In the Eastern Conference, there’s no reason the Wizards shouldn’t compete for a playoff spot.
As odd as this deal looks on paper, it makes a lot of sense for both sides, and both players in need of a change of scenery.