$40 Million Dollar Trade

 

On Wednesday December 2^nd, it was reported by multiple sources that The Washington Wizards and the Houston Rockets agreed to trade John Wall and a first-round pick for Russell Westbrook. This trade on the surface seems to be a lateral move as both Wall and Westbrook are essentially the same player. They are both explosive players who rely on athleticism and cannot shoot 3 pointers well. In this article I will examine each player’s fit with their ne team and how I see each team finishing in their conferences.

 

John Wall

John Wall has missed the majority of the past two seasons with a heel issue and a torn Achilles. With his game being predicated on explosiveness his athletic ability it will be interesting to see if he is able to get back close to the player, he was in 2017. With him playing potentially with James Harden it creates another situation like Westbrook where you will once again a player who is used to having the ball in his hands and running the show. The Rockets also signed Wall’s college teammate DeMarcus Cousins which could help change the way the Rockets play from isolation and 3’s to more of a pick and roll offense with ball movement.  Ultimately, I do not see this experiment working any better than it did with Westbrook. The Rockets with Harden and Wall would make the playoffs likely a 6^th or 7^th seed. If Wall comes back close to 85% of the player, he was prior to the injuries they will fight for a top 5 seed.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is going to start the season on his third team in as many seasons. Westbrook being traded to Washington reunites him with Head Coach Scott Brooks, who coached Westbrook during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be interesting to see how Bradley Beal and Westbrook mess together especially with Beal coming off a career year. Westbrook has a constant motor which can be helpful when it comes getting Beal one on one matchups and he excel against his opponents. Also, with the re-signing of sharp shooting forward Davis Bertans the Wizards can make noise in the East as far as fighting for the 4^th to 7^th seed. I predict the Wizards finishing between the 6^th and 8^th seed due to it taking time for the team to gel but they will be a tough out come playoff time.

 

With the added play in format for the 7^th and 8^th seeds this year it will be interested to see if either of the teams officially make the playoffs. I do think both teams will make the playoffs but will fail to get past the first round. In my opinion neither won the trade but both created interesting situations to keep your eye out for this upcoming NBA Season. Season starts December 22^nd and it cannot get here fast enough!!!