At some point earlier in the 2021-22 season, the Clippers reportedly expressed “genuine interest” in acquiring five-time NBA All-Star John Wall. Could that potentially lead to a deal between Los Angeles and the Houston Rockets before the Feb. 10 trade deadline?
In his latest column at The Ringer, NBA insider Kevin O’Connor makes the case for a Clippers-Rockets trade involving Eric Bledsoe, Serge Ibaka, and Marcus Morris going to Houston for Wall. He writes:
Bledsoe, Morris, and Ibaka combine to make $43.4M, which makes them a perfect match for Wall’s $44.3M salary. Ibaka and Bledsoe aren’t long for LA. And while Morris is a good player, wouldn’t swapping him for Wall, a five-time All-Star who’s still only 31, be a reasonable gamble?
From Houston’s view, Morris’ contract extends to the 2023-24 season, whereas Wall’s deal does not. However, because it is much cheaper annually, that likely wouldn’t be a concern to general manager Rafael Stone — since Morris can simply be dealt again, if cap room is needed.
The Clippers are flying under the radar with Kawhi and George out but their short-handed group is developing a defensive identity that’s keeping them in the postseason race. With the deadline approaching, the team is on the search for a point guard. https://t.co/Jk9vnrn7MB
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 31, 2022
At 32 years old, Morris likely wouldn’t be happy in a rebuilding scenario in Houston, anyway. But as long has Morris has any positive trade value around the league — and he’s currently averaging 15.6 points (36.3% on 3-pointers) and 5.1 rebounds while still providing value defensively, so he should — that scenario offers more upside to the Rockets than simply maintaining the status quo non-playing arrangement with Wall.
Thus, it’s almost certainly a deal that Houston would accept, though Stone would likely be canvassing the league for Morris suitors in such a scenario. The question is whether the Clippers are desperate enough to make such a trade, but with Los Angeles still below .500 in early February and Kawhi Leonard potentially on the way back, perhaps that could prompt them to be more aggressive in their deadline decisions.
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