Report: Rockets open to Westbrook-Wall swap if Lakers include 1st-rounder
The Houston Rockets would be open to acquiring Russell Westbrook if the Los Angeles Lakers receive John Wall in return and incentivize the trade with "sufficient draft compensation," sources told NBA insider Marc Stein.
Houston is seeking the Lakers' 2027 first-round draft pick, Stein adds. The Rockets reportedly aren't interested in Westbrook suiting up for another stint after the star guard joined the team for the 2019-20 season.
The potential blockbuster deal is unlikely to occur before next month's trade deadline, Stein notes.
Westbrook and Wall were traded for one another in December 2020. Both players earn roughly the same salary this season and hold a player option for 2022-23.
Westbrook has struggled throughout his first year in Los Angeles. The former MVP is averaging 18.5 points, eight boards, 7.8 assists, and 1.1 steals over 45 appearances this season. He's second in the Association in turnovers (4.2 per game) and shooting only 30.4% from deep.
Wall hasn't played during the 2021-22 campaign as the Rockets reportedly canvassed the trade market for a suitor. The veteran guard was apparently interested in re-joining the team's active roster as a starter, but Houston wanted him to come off the bench.
Wall averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.1 steals across 40 appearances in 2020-21.