Former MVP Russell Westbrook got his wish Wednesday evening, as a trade was agreed upon to send him to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Rockets will receive John Wall and a future first round pick. Wall is a former all-star who simply hasn't been able to stay on the court over the last few seasons. Westbrook has a big personality which has rubbed some around him the wrong way. Fitting that his last game in a Rockets uniform ended with him screaming at one of the few people in attendance while being eliminated from the bubble by the Lakers. His talent and ability to get to the bucket is undeniable though. How will the trade affect the two teams moving forward?
- Wizards: Washington has been looking to shake up their roster for the last couple of seasons and the recent trade brings that possibility to fruition. Since getting bounced out of the 1st round in their last playoff appearance in 2018, the Wizards have had a hard time finding much success on the court. There has been chatter of tension between John Wall and Bradley Beal. Westbrook brings new life to the nation's capitol, and the move may be just what he needed as well. He and Harden both are ball dominant players, and it became obvious that the tandem would be hard pressed to make a championship run. Now Westbrook has a team similar to the Thunder during his back to back MVP seasons. Bradley Beal is a talented shooting guard who works well off the ball, young players Rui Hachimura, Thomas Bryant, and Davis Bertans have shown promise in the league. Rookie Deni Avdija may be the wild card in this situation. If he impresses in his rookie season the Wizards may be able to surprise some people and make a serious run in the wide open Eastern Conference.
- Rockets: A year ago Houston traded their draft capital for the foreseeable future to pair Harden with Westbrook. While they were fun to watch, the duo never blossomed to become a serious contender with the more dominant teams in the West. Getting a first round pick helps reconcile some of the losses of that horrendous trade. John Wall is an unquestionably less skilled player than Westbrook but his style and ability to run the offense may actually be what Harden and the Rockets need. If he can stay on the court, Wall will be reunited with his college teammate DeMarcus Cousins. Wall and Cousins enjoyed tremendous success at the University of Kentucky, and teaming up again may be just what the doctor ordered for both of the talented players. If Wall can find success in Houston, the trade may actually save the team from losing James Harden. There has been speculation that Harden wants out of Houston as well, and a successful season with Wall may be enough to keep their All-NBA shooting guard.
Tyler Valdez
Twitter- @tyyler
