The NBA trade rumors concerning John Wall have reached fever pitch since his public admission about Bradley Beal.
Wall has been known to speak his mind and has been very candid even about controversial topics like All-Star game voting and player salaries. His infamous rant over Reggie Jackson receiving the same salary as he was could not be forgotten even as he tried to defuse the situation.
As expected, there would be a stir from John Wall after his backcourt partner, Bradley Beal signed a huge max contract. His comments in an interview with CSN Mid-Atlantic revealed as much.
"I think a lot of times we have a tendency to dislike each other on the court. ... We got to be able to put that to the side," that was honest enough, but eventually, Wall has to mention the contract.
"Now that you have your money you got to go out there and improve your game. I want you to be an All-Star just as much as I'm an All-Star. If we were playing well as a tandem like the other two superstars that play together as a backcourt, play as a tandem, one night it's going to be his night, one night it's going to be mine, some nights it might be both of us. Those are nights it's going to be tough to beat us."
Wall has always been the alpha dog but it's clear that he wants Beal to step up now that he's the highest paid player. The former Kentucky standout was visibly frustrated with the team's failures and if they start out flat, he could force his way out.
There was some buzz about a Wall to Miami Heat scenario in SportsBlog which likely involves Goran Dragic, but there are also variations where Justise Winslow and picks would be sent in return.
Wall is a much more desirable trade piece due to his cheaper contract and Beal's injury history. Teams like the Utah Jazz can make better offers. Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors could be sent in return for Wall and Marcin Gortat, with other players added from the Jazz to match salaries.
The Milwaukee Bucks could also use more stability at the point guard spot. The Wizards can send Wall, Gortat and one of Otto Porter/Kelly Oubre for Jabari Parker, Greg Monroe and Michael Carter-Williams. Wall would then be mentored by Jason Kidd and form a tandem with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
These are all scenarios that evolved from the John Wall rumor. It's unlikely the Wizards trade Wall before the season starts but the John Wall Trade watch starts right on Day One of the 2016-17 season.