Analyzing The Trade Between Westbrook And Wall (December 2020)

How many people can say that their 2 favorite players ever in any sport got traded for each other in their primes! Well history was made yesterday (unofficially 😄). If Wall gets back to an all star level, this trade will basically be even. That "if" is a big risk Houston took considering Russ might've had his best season outside of his MVP year and John played his last game in Dec 2018. Even though Westbrook is better when they're healthy, Wall should be a slightly better fit because he's a better and more willing passer. However, I don't see the Rockets as a legit threat to make it out of the west because John essentially has the same strengths and weaknesses as Russ. The true finals contenders in the conference are the 2 LA teams and Denver. As for Washington, Westbrook and Beal (at worst, 2 of the top 15 players in the NBA) might be able to drag the Wizards to the playoffs despite a very lackluster supporting cast but I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't. The top 7 seeds last year are getting in but Washington will have to contend with Orlando and Atlanta (the Hawks have significantly improved). Unfortunately, the best the Wizards can do is a 1st round exit. Houston on the other hand still has a chance to play in the conference finals.