The Trade

After rumors for the past couple of weeks, the Rockets and the Wizards finally came to a deal on Wednesday. Washington has sent John Wall, and a first-round pick,  to the rockets for Russell Westbrook.

John Wall

Wall hasn’t seen the court in nearly two years, after rupturing his Achilles. The Wizards drafted Wall in 2010, where he had an amazing run. Wall had five all-star appearances, the 2017 All-NBA Third team, and the 2015 All-NBA Defensive Second Team. By far Wall’s best moment in his time in DC was game six against the Celtics in 2017, where he helped the Wizards avoid elimination by hitting the game-winning three. Wall’s relationship with Bradley Beal brought many questions to the fans of DC, with many rumors of a feud between the two young stars. Wall is a double-double machine, but he still hasn’t developed a reliable three-point shot, so defenders have been forcing him to shoot to account for his speed. It’s tough for the Wizards to move on from Wall, but it was necessary for the Wizards because of Wall’s questionable injury history.  

Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is on to DC, after a tough year in Houston. Westbrook felt as he was the scapegoat in Houston, and didn’t enjoy playing off the ball with James Harden. Westbrook is reuniting with his former coach in Oklahoma City, Scott Brooks. The Wizards are getting a fierce competitor in Westbrook. Westbrook will get another chance in leading his own team, with Bradley Beal, and these two will look to lead the Wizards to their first playoff appearance in three years. The Wizards are filled with weapons, with players like Davis Bertans, Robin Lopez, and Brad Beal. In his lone season with the rockets, Kanye averaged 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Westbrook’s list of accolades can fill a page up, they include 2017 MVP, 9X NBA all-star, and two times all NBA-first team appearances.