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Boston Celtics rumors: Trading for John Wall would be an extreme disaster

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three point basket during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images )
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three point basket during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /
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If the Boston Celtics learned anything from their dance with both Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, they should want nothing to do with five-time NBA All Star John Wall.

As an aging player in the NBA with declined play, a massive contract and injury history, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens will stay away from any thought of adding Wall to the mix and he would be smart for doing so.

As reported by NBA.com on Tuesday, Wall’s tenure with the Houston Rockets is over as the Rockets will look to trade the veteran point guard to a winning situation while they unload salary and continue to rebuild.  In concurrence with a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, there will be no chance at a buyout as both sides will work together to find a situation that works for the star.

Although adding Wall as a part of a big three with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown would be intriguing based on the player, he was pre-injury is intriguing, the Boston Celtics have been there with both Irving and Walker over the past few seasons and know a scoring point guard with injury history has spelled bad news.

Boston Celtics, John Wall could be a fit, but recent history says it spells disaster

In averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game in 2020-21 with the Rockets, Wall would certainly add scoring, but the salary they would have to haul in for the aging superstar would not be worth the financial flexibility Stevens is trying to create.  They could make such a deal work by shipping out Al Horford, that 17.1 million trade exception and a combination of young players, but is the risk worth it?

Again, as recently experienced from the acquisitions of Irving and Walker, if things don’t work out for both sides, the Celtics end up back in a similar situation.  Plus, if they do trade for John Wall, they should’ve just kept Kemba Walker, especially since Wall would come with a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season.

If he was a bit younger and wasn’t just a few seasons removed from a serious leg injury, it could be worth the risk for the Celtics, but taking on that sort of money would handcuff the team once again if he either opted out or simply didn’t work out in Boston.

Not to knock Wall’s talent, but this one has disaster written all over it, especially financially so Stevens should and probably will stay away.

dark. Next. 3 very early 2021-22 NBA Trade Deadline targets

Now, there are a few perfect opportunities for Wall to flourish in the NBA.  He would look great on a team like the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks.  There is also a chance the Philadelphia 76ers could acquire Wall in any combination of trade scenarios involving Ben Simmons.

That could be a deal that helps the Boston Celtics in the long run as John Wall is on the downside of his career even though he does appear to have some good, productive seasons left in him…if he stays healthy.

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