Rockets wanted John Wall because of disinterest in "major downgrade"

Houston traded Russell Westbrook in exchange for John Wall with Washington earlier this week.

According to a report by Fred Katz and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Houston Rockets had no interest in a major downgrade, when scoured the market for Russell Westbrook, as they hope to keep James Harden. Additionally, Houston reportedly considers Wall “a high-upside acquisition” and “a better natural fit to Harden than Westbrook was”.

Former Kentucky star has not played in two years because of injuries, but reports coming out of scrimmages he’s participated in have been encouraging.