• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Lakers, Rockets Discussing $95M Swap for Russell Westbrook and John Wall?

  • The Lakers and Rockets might revisit a trade involving two of the top-five highest-paid players in the NBA.
  • The teams almost pulled it off at the trade deadline, but they can match salaries ($47M) via trade this upcoming summer.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

In December 2020, the Rockets traded Russell Westbrook to the Wizards in exchange for John Wall. Now, it appears the two might be swapped for one another again.

Senior NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers and Rockets might revisit a trade this summer involving the two aging point guards in the final years of their supermax contracts.

The Lakers are looking for ways to improve the roster after a failed experiment with Westbrook. He’s owed $47.1 million next season — the fourth-highest by annual salary in the NBA.

But the trade wouldn’t shed much salary for either team.

Wall is owed $47.4 million next year — the second-highest by annual salary. The Rockets, however, might be able to construct a buyout since they only have $3 million on the payroll in 2023.

Near February’s trade deadline, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka reportedly had the option of swapping Westbrook along with the team’s 2027 first-round pick for John Wall.

Instead, he waited for the salary figures to match this upcoming season, making an exchange much more feasible this summer.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.

Cooper Flagg–Bronny James Summer League Tickets Average $201

The average purchase price on resale platform TickPick is $201.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bradley Beal
exclusive
July 17, 2025

‘Brad Doesn’t Like Change’: Beal Agent Says He Wants Long-Term Clippers Deal

Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns on Wednesday.
July 17, 2025

T.J. Watt Becomes NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-QB

Watt’s new Steelers contract comes with $108 million fully guaranteed.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Oct 13, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya poses for a photo with the time clock after finishing first in the women’s race, setting a new world record at 2:09:56 during the Chicago Marathon at Grant Park.
July 17, 2025

Kenyan Whose Record Shocked Running World Suspended for Drugs

Her drug test showed levels 190 times above the allowed amount.
Collins
July 17, 2025

NFL Second-Round Impasse May End As Niners Give Pick $9M Guaranteed

The contract isn’t fully guaranteed like the earlier second-rounder deals.
Caitlin Clark
July 17, 2025

Caitlin Clark Out for WNBA All-Star Game, 3-Point Contest With Injury

Clark and Satou Sabally will miss the game with injuries.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center.
July 16, 2025

Bradley Beal Agrees to Suns Buyout, Will Join Clippers

Beal is the latest star player to leave Phoenix behind Kevin Durant.