Houston trade Russell Westbrook to Washington for John Wall

The Houston Rockets are trading All-Star guard Russell Westbrook to the WashingtonWizards for John Wall and a future first-round pick.

Westbrook had requested a trade out of Houston earlier this offseason. Now 30 years old, the 6-foot-4 Wall hasn’t played in the NBA since tearing his Achilles in early 2019, which is why Houston is getting both Wall and a draft selection in exchange for Westbrook. The pick is a protected choice in the 2023 first round.

Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard on the trade:

“Having the opportunity to acquire a player of Russell’s caliber and character was something that we could not pass up when looking at both the immediate and long-term future of our team,” Wizards general manager Tommy Shepperd said later Wednesday in a statement after the teams announced the trade. “With that said, the decision to part ways with John, one of the greatest players in franchise history, was extremely difficult. What he meant to our organization and our community is immeasurable and will not be forgotten.”