Report: Houston Rockets trade Russell Westbrook to Washington Wizards for John Wall, first-round pick

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In a blockbuster point guard swap, the Houston Rockets have reportedly traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards in exchange for John Wall and a first-round draft pick, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that the first-round pick is a protected selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

In his lone season in Houston alongside James Harden, Westbrook averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.6 steals and is owed $132 million over three years, including a 2022-23 player option.

Meanwhile, Wall, who hasn't played in two years after suffering a ruptured Achilles is owed $133 million over the next three seasons, including a 2022-23 player option.

The move to Houston offers Wall a fresh start alongside Harden, PJ Tucker, Eric Gordon, and free-agent signing Christian Wood and reunites him with former Kentucky teammate and close friend DeMarcus Cousins.

With the Wizards opting to build around two-time All-Star Bradley Beal, the acquisition of Westbrook puts them in the playoff picture after a two-year absence, alongside their young supporting cast, which includes Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura, and the No.9 pick in the 2020 Draft Deni Avdija.

Westbrook also reunites with former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks in DC.

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.