John Wall #11 of the LA Clippers during the Chicago Bullsat United Center on January 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Quinn Harris/Getty ImagesThe Houston Rockets traded Eric Gordon to Los Angeles on Thursday before the NBA trade deadline, and it appears as though draft capital will be the only thing returning to Houston in the deal.
Houston acquired a first-round pick swap with the Clippers as Gordon returned to his first professional team, with the Rockets now able to swap Milwaukee's 2023 first-rounder with Los Angeles. And while veteran guards John Wall and Danny Green were also routed to Houston in the deal, both had the final year of their respective contracts bought out by the Rockets on Sunday.
Wall's buyout was no surprise given his recent history with the Rockets. The former Wizards guard and five-time All-Star spent much of two seasons with Houston in 2020-21 and 2021-22, a pair of turbulent campaigns that culminated in Wall not being with the team for much of last season following a dispute over playing time. Wall blasted the Rockets in a recent podcast appearance, taking aim at the organization's culture as he levied allegations of tanking.
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Green's buyout and subsequent signing with the Cavaliers marked a change of course for the Rockets. Houston general manager Rafael Stone noted Friday he expected Green to report to the Rockets, though, like Wall, Stone noted he would not force an acquired player to join the Rockets if they wanted to play in a different franchise to finish the 2022-23 season. As the weekend came to a close, Green found a new destination.
The Rockets are still expected to add a pair of veterans who they acquired in their first deal before the trade deadline. Houston acquired guard Justin Holiday and center Frank Kaminsky on Thursday in a trade with the Hawks, a deal in which the Rockets also netted a pair of second-round picks.
Holiday and Kaminsky could make their Rockets debut Monday night in a road contest against the 76ers. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. CT as the Philadelphia crowd reels from a narrow loss in Super Bowl LVII.