Cavs: Trade or Fade with Simmons and others being shopped

Cavs: Trade or Fade with NBA players being shopped – John Wall

It was reported recently that John Wall is seeking a trade from the Houston Rockets, and that the two sides have amicably agreed that Wall will ride the bench while that option is explored. Houston is putting together a young roster and wants to give them time on the court to develop, while Wall doesn’t want to risk another injury while seeking a better situation.

John Wall used to be the fastest player in the league, going coast-to-coast for transition buckets and knifing into the defense to set up teammates with passes. Perhaps no player other than LeBron James was as good at attacking the rim and then passing out to open 3-point shooters.

Wall’s multiple injuries and aging body have knocked him from his peak, but he is still a talented player with a lot of experience running a team. He could absolutely show Darius Garland and even Collin Sexton some tricks of the trade.

The problem in trading for John Wall is his contract, one of the largest in the league. Wall will make $44.3 million next season. Even if the Rockets were willing to take back Kevin Love, the Cavs would still have to add money to get the deal close enough to happen. Then they would be saddled with the $91.6 million left on the deal over the next two seasons.

On the right roster Wall could absolutely still be an asset, but he is no longer a star despite being paid like one. The Cavs aren’t ready to compete at a high level and need to keep their books as clean as possible with raises to their young core coming. Wall is too expensive, too fragile and overall not a good fit for the roster. This is a stay-away situation.

Verdict: Fade