John Wall, Rockets have 'conceded' that buyout talks are 'unrealistic'?

Before the 2021-22 NBA season even began, John Wall and the Houston Rockets agreed to go their separate ways. The plan was simple: Wall would sit out, and Houston’s front office would attempt to quickly find a trade.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan. A deal never materialized, and Wall’s reluctance to take a supporting role led to him essentially being shelved for the entirety of the year thus far. That has led to some angry back-and-forths between Wall and the organization.

Over the past few weeks, rumors started to emerge about a possible agreement that would land Wall with the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Clippers.

There appears to be just one roadblock preventing that from occurring: The Rockets and Wall cannot agree to buyout terms.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, this appears to be an issue that there is no way around.

“The L.A. Clippers and the Miami Heat are among the teams known to have interest in Wall should he become a free agent, but Wall and the Rockets have conceded that buyout talks, to this point, are unrealistic with so much money left on Wall’s contract. He is earning $44.3 million this season and holds a player option for next season worth $47.4 million.”

Assuming the Heat and Clippers are a no-go, the Boston Celtics continue to be a very viable option for Wall. But that’s pretty much where it ends.

Obviously there has also been some chatter about a Russell Westbrook-for-Wall swap involving the Los Angeles Lakers, but it’s hard to see that becoming a reality. For better or worse, it feels like Wall will finish this season out as a member of the Rockets.