Two months after his relocation, Houston Rockets guard John Wall speaks out. The star guard took the time to detail the events that occurred leading up to the blockbuster trade which led to his departure from the Washington Wizards. He claimed that he was blindsided by the Wizards organization and that they failed to be transparent with him regarding the ongoing trade talks.
“Somebody hit me and was like, ‘You know you’re on the trade block with Russell Westbrook.’ I’m like, ‘Ain’t no way I’m on the trade block,’ ” the former Wizards star said Saturday via The Athletic. “You know what I mean? I haven’t played in (two) years. And I was like, I know it’s part of the business. I said all I ever wanted from the start was honesty. You know what I mean? Just tell me the truth, what it was. I can deal with it.”
Despite all the trade rumors, no one within the Wizards organization had the courage to tell Wall about his involvement in a potential blockbuster deal with the Rockets.
“Then everybody kept telling me, ‘No, it’s not true. Don’t believe it. Don’t believe it.’ And I’m like, I know Houston probably called them first. But it’s part of the business. Why wouldn’t you call if somebody wants to be traded? You know what I mean? And it’s not nothing, just having conversations. And that’s all I wanted. If you’re having conversations, that’s cool, I get it. Nobody could ever tell me the truth about it.”
Wall spent 10 years in Washington where he was named to an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2017, and became a five-time All-Star, and 2014 Slam Dunk Champion.
On Dec. 2, Wall's tenure in Washington finally ended as he was traded along with a 2023 first-round draft pick in exchange for the services of 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
In the 2020-21 season, the Kentucky alum is averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists through 17 appearances. He is currently leading the Rockets, who have an 11-15 record for the 13th spot in the Western Conference.
Although he didn't like how things ended in Washington, a fresh start was definitely needed for Wall to be able to re-establish his footing in the league after several injury-riddled campaigns. The upcoming months will see how John Wall truly benefited from the trade and which team got the better end of the deal.
Follow Us
Subscribe